The Orthodox Way

Rating:
Summary: This Book is a Magnificent Hymn to Divine Love
Review: In this luminous volume, theology is made to sing!

The Orthodox monk-bishop Kallistos Ware has given us a lovely gift, scholarly and accessible, inviting us to the loftiest of heights. God is explored under the various aspects of Mystery, Trinity, Creator, Man, Spirit, Prayer, and Eternity. Voices are summoned from the distant past and from the immediate present, from West and East; a truly "catholic" book, an inspiration, yes; but more, a re-vivification for those sensibilities that might be slumbering under the deadness of custom. "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light" (Ephesians 5.14).

Bishop Kallistos gives us an Orthodoxy that is receptive to other traditions, but mutely and benignly aware of its own excellence. He gives us a picture of the Invisible God, Who is the Source and Summit of all love, beauty, mercy, goodness, purity and truth. This is not the offering of a modish "personality" here to give us an absolution from every challenge, nor is it the hectoring of some reactionary suspicious of every vicissitude; no, this is a book of light and of life.

We cannot think of a reason why any reader would not be grateful for the incalculably precious blessing that is THE ORTHODOX WAY.

Rating:
Summary: Very Brief Introduction
Review: Let me start off by telling you what this book is and what it is not via the context I was introduced to it: It was in a systematic theology class. That is the context to which THE ORTHODOX WAY is best suited. It is distinctly a theological explination of what Orthodoxy is in terms of theological ideas and beliefs. It is not the what but rather the why. Having said that, it is an excellent condensation of Orthodox theology in reletivly easy to grasp language. This makes sense as the book was intended for those new to Orthodoxy. However, while there is some explination of ritual, this book is concerned with what the Orthodox person believes, not what he or she does. Still, it should not be passed up by one who wants an introduction to Orthodoxy. On the whole, not bad. I recomend it if you've got some spare change.

Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Introduction into Orthodox Beliefs
Review: Orthodoxy can be a difficult subject for Protestants and Catholics to understand. This is due to the Western, compared to the Eastern approach in viewing Christianity. While the west generally likes things in neat rational-concrete catagories, the east is generally able to except the mystery of God and focus their efforts in that area.

Bishop Kallistos Ware, a Protestant Convert to Orthodxy, has written this book in a very easy-to-read style. He writes concisely (maybe at times to concise) which does not overburden the average Western reader. I would have personnaly like a little more in-depth analysis in certain areas, but this was not his purpose. It has caused me to study some ideas even more and I think that may have been the purpose. To give a clear meaning aboutthis cherished religion, and for those who desire further study, to do so.

All the chapters are well written: God as Trinity, creation, man, spirit, prayer, and eternity. At times trying to understand the view point may be difficult, but this is due to a cultural make-up in approaching philosophy and theology. An outstanding text.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Intro To Orthodoxy
Review: This book was amazing for an inquirer like myself. It covers most of the theological aspects of Orthodoxy one would need to get a a solid look at what they believe and how they think. It is excellent for Orthodox Christian wishing to learn more or get in touch with their faith. It is a MUST for Orthodox converts! You will get a solid foundation by reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the scholar
Review: This very illuminating text offers new insights into the Orhtodox religion and its works and acts. A highly helpful text, thoroughly researched and presented in a proper manner.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the scholar
Review: This very illuminating text offers new insights into the Orhtodox religion and its works and acts. A highly helpful text, thoroughly researched and presented in a proper manner.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book-Great Subject
Review: This was a really good read for a poor old Protestant inquirer like myself. Can you say 'Epiphany'...in fact several epiphanies in perusing and digesting this book. I found it interesting, easy to read and well worth it. I will highly recommend it to others. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad-- but the Lady doesn't always sing
Review: Ware covers the basic philosophies and ideas that Orthodoxy espouses and on the surface, Orthodoxy is pretty fantastic. Here is a religion that has not changed in almost 1,300 years since it's first Concil meeting! But Orthodoxy in America is just as watered down as Protestantism. Do not read this book, look at the beliefs and get Heavenly clouds in your eyes-- each Orthodox church must be evaluated by the individual. I love the beliefs of Orthodoxy, but in truth, AT MOST CHURCHES you will find just as many neurotic individuals who worship the ritual as you will at other churches who get wrapped up in legalistics. You will find priests who are as warped in modern thought as anywhere else, and while the church seems to have a good attitude toward children, their stance on women is pretty misogynistic and mothering is often a lonely endeavor with priests who glorify the struggle instead of empathise with it.

Ware emphasises community but frankly, these people are not crowding G-d anymore than the other religious groups that claim to have all the answers. Save your money and get closer to G-d by going to volunteer on Sunday mornings at a local hospital or read to elders at a senior center.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent treatment of Orthodoxy
Review: Ware keeps your attention while addressing some of the deepest theological reflections of our decade! The timeless truths he speaks to are somehow entirely relevant. If you at all interested in exploring the Eastern roots of Christian Faith, this book is for you! Leon Miller

Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction to Eastern Orthodox Mysticism.
Review: _The Orthodox Way_ by Bishop Timothy Ware is a brief but excellent introduction to Eastern Orthodox mysticism and doctrines. A monk recommended this book to me as a supplement to Ware's other notable introduction to Orthodoxy, _The Orthodox Church_. While _The Orthodox Church_ is an objective historical study written when Ware first converted to the Church, _The Orthodox Way_ deals with more personal theological experience. It is structured into six chapters each dealing with a different aspect of God: Mystery, Trinity, Creator, Man, Spirit, Prayer and Eternity. The chapter on "Mystery" deals with the revelatory character of man's relationship with God and the ultimate bridge that separates the creation from the creator. Men, as created beings, cannot partake or understand the Essence of God but can partake of divine, uncreated energies. God has often been described by mystics as "divine darkness" or "cloud of unknowing." "Trinity" focuses on the Father, the Son or Logos and the Holy Spirit as the three persons of God. They are each distinct from one another yet share the same divine essence. The chapter on "Creator" describes God as being in all things-not pantheism but panentheism. God is in all things yet remains beyond all created things as well. The "God as Man" chapter focuses on Jesus Christ as Incarnate God. Ware contends that Christ not only died for our sins but also suffered along with humanity, not just in place of it. "God as Spirit" relates the Church's doctrines and experiences of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit has been symbolized by a dove and flames of fire, and is described in the Bible as the "Breath" of God, because of His mysterious and intangible nature. Ware notes from example from the Gospel, the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus Christ as God, while at the same time Christ's ministry heralded the coming of the Spirit to divinely guide humanity through the Church at Pentecost. Ware elaborates further on the mystical union between humanity and Divinity in "God as Prayer." Ware mentions the Hesychast tradition of silent, continuous prayers as well as the practice of spiritual leadership by "God-bearing elders" (starets) and "Fools for Christ." The former guide individuals by various gifts of Divine grace, while the latter forsake all worldly comforts and possessions as a radical example of the Gospel to the faithful. Ware's concluding chapter on "God as Eternity" explains how souls in Heaven will have a dynamic relationship, one that becomes ever closer to God throughout eternity. This may sound strange but it is entirely possible because God is by definition eternal and infinite and therefore no created entity can ever totally partake of God's divine essence itself.

Ware's book is not totally without controversy. For one, it draws on a lengthy number of un-Orthodox sources to prove his points (like Thomas Merton, William Blake, etc.) and supplement his dialogue, in addition to ecclesial authors whose validity have been questioned like Origen. Probably the most controversial section is where Ware discusses the nature of Satan and the fallen angels before the physical earth was created. Is it possible that Satan will be redeemed in a universal forgiveness (as was originally maintained by Origen and Gregory of Nyssa)? Does Satan serve an ulterior purpose in God's plan that is unknown to humans? According to Ware, it is possible that Satan will be redeemed (although of course not definite) because God's love is universal and unconditional. The traditional Orthodox opinion is that Satan is condemned to the lake of fire in hell at the last judgment as related in the Apocalypse. Ware also takes a positive view of Hell. Hell is not necessarily a state of total abandonment of soul by God (as has often been articulated in various theological traditions) but is a sort of "fire of divine love." I.e., Hell is God's love experienced in a negative way but nevertheless God's love.

I recommend this book as an introduction to themes in Orthodox mysticism and doctrine. There are other titles that can be recommended that explore these topics in more precise detail: _The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church_ (Vladimir Lossky) and the works of Pseudo-Dionysius.