He refers to the period from 4th century Constantine's legalization (it was more than that) of Christianity as Christendom and it is typified by the church building based, priest based, "come to us model" that both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches have followed. He advocates a return to pre-Christendom forms and functions, even first century ones. He makes a very good argument. I do like the fact that in doing this he doesn't completely discount the existing forms and functions that lead him (and most of us) to Christ like so many authors about the emergent church seem to do today.
The other thing I like about this book is that it has a very strong evangelistic focus. While observing that most of our "church growth" methods are only mildly effective on small fraction of the world that is the evangelical world. He speaks to those who are drawn by God to reach the other 90% of our society.
He makes some really great points. And he is Australian. What's that got to do with anything? Nothing, except that we Australians are quite insecure and must always brag about our accomplishments. Did you know that it was an Australian who invented the motor mower, the rotary clothes line and put the bubbles in bear. OK, the last one was a bit of a lie but it was a good movie plot in Young Einstein.
