Frank Viola addressed this in his book, Pagan Christianity a number of years ago.
In my almost 50 year search for “what were the bare, minimal essentials of first century Christians and the first century church”, I long ago discovered that by far a majority of the practices of today’s church (including Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, fundamentalists, Baptists, etc.) have their origins in pagan religions, and what we know and accept as normal today (it’s all we’ve known) would shock Christians of the first century.
Two major examples are a man called a pastor (or priest) who heads a church (just as a CEO heads a company), and a sermon (or homily).
I do know Frank and respect him and agree with most of what he wrote in this book, but contains a superior and critical attitude in addressing these matters that I think takes away from the facts that he is presenting.
I do recommend reading it with that thought in mind, and decide for yourself as to his perspective. His research and documentation is very thorough.
http://www.paganchristianity.org/
“are very thorough.” My bad.
You are correct about the church gatherings today not always duplicating the First Century Church, and some local fellowships are more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit than are others.
The First Century Churches were not all lasting successes either. Reference: book of Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Not all local congregations have the same strict structure and large heirachy that some large mainline denominational churches do either.
Generally, folks, Catholics focus on the crucified Christ and could stand to remember that he was raised from the dead. Protestants focus on the risen Christ and tend to forget that he was crucified. Not a one of us have it right — we just don’t know which details are wrong. We would do well to remember that. As Paul said, I am determined to know this only: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” He also said that if Christ be not raised, our faith is in vain.
Ref: “In my almost 50 year search for “what were the bare, minimal essentials of first century Christians and the first century church”, I long ago discovered that by far a majority of the practices of today’s church (including Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, fundamentalists, Baptists, etc.) have their origins in pagan religions, and what we know and accept as normal today (it’s all we’ve known) would shock Christians of the first century.”
My two cents: Not all Pagan traditions & practices were evil. Many pagans were seeking the one true God in keeping with the spirit of Natural Law planted in all of us -— which causes us to seek Him even when we do not know Him. Of course, there were pagan practices which opened people to evil things like child sacrifice and into the worship of demons (Baal). But there were also many pagan practices which resulted from the well meaning search for God. The incorporation of non-harmful practices (such as the Christmas tree) helped bring many Pagans to Christ. Instead of praying to ancestors, an introduction to spiritual mentors (saints) who had been successful in their spiritual/faithful lives, and were confirmed to be in Heaven through confirmed miracles attributed to their intercessions, helped to direct non-believers to the true source of our salvation. Many of these practices and traditions have proven themselves, not only in the conversion of pagans, but also in building faith traditions in the Christian communities.