Rating: 
Summary: A great introduction to the Orthodox Church
Review: In most Christian circles, the Orthodox Church is known as the forgotten church because many Christians do not even know of it's existence. Coming from an evangelical background I was in the same situation, until I attended college and was able to learn about this mysterious Church. Because of this sparked interest, I decided to pick up Bishop Ware's book and read it to discover more about the history and beliefs of the Orthodox Church.Basically, this book is a beginner's guide to the Orthodox Church. Ware begins by discussing the history and and events surrounding this 2,000 year old Christian institution. I believe that Ware's appraisal and handling of history was fair and accurate. When it came to discussing the various schisms that erupted between East and West he was, I believe, very fair and accurate. When discussing the root and causes of the permanent schism of 1054, he did not try to blame the Pope as some do, but instead showed that it was a tragic misunderstanding and lack of thorough communication that led to these events. In the second part of the book, Ware discussed Orthodox theology and beliefs. Everything from the nature of the Trinity, the Saints and Mary, the Sacraments, the Word of God, and spiritual life are examined. I liked how he handled the whole filioque controversy because it really shows that the Orthodox Church believes that dual procession is not the correct view. I never really understood on what basis they formulated their objections until I read this book. Also, Ware's discussion of sin and the fall was intriguing because I never knew the East avoided the Augustinian/Pelagian controversy. Finally, in the last part Ware attempts to show how the Orthodox Church views the other church bodies around her. Without a doubt, the church the Orthodox share the closest heritage with is the Catholic Church. Ware states that the East is willing to grant the Pope the position of primacy and honor that he deserves, but they are not willing to sacrifice the integrity of the other great Patriarchal sees at the expense of Roman jurisdictional claims. Also, Ware shows that the Orthodox Church has much in common with Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Protestant groups. Although there are many barriers which separate them, there is also hope for healing and reunification. All in all, an excellent introduction to the Orthodox Church. The only downside is that this book leaves you desiring more, but I guess that's why Bishop Ware has written other books which examine Orthodoxy on a deeper level.
Rating:
Summary: An example of true diversity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit
Review: Orthodoxy is broken into 2 parts: history & dogma. Orthodox Christianity is the largest U.S. religion and America's best-kept secret. It's the "one true religion", because from it grew all other Christian religions; also it's never changed doctrine. Seemingly a cult, in its strictness: fasts, holiday observences, etc. Not so--Orthodox pray to God, not to a man; it's their choice, not a forced issue. Bishop Ware details the devil's 3 chief weapons: 1) delay in nearing Christ/a spirit of sloth, "put off church till next week" or "tell them you love them later", or "do this or that in 15 minutes", but unfortunately most of us never follow through with our good intentions; 2) that there's no hell--too late, too many of us are already living in it; 3) that God does not exist (that's harder to effect--too many of us know him personally). The trinity is true diversity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 3 distinct personalities, in a constant movement of love.
Rating:
Summary: The Other Christianity
Review: There has been a great surge of interest in Eastern Orthodoxy in recent years. Partly owing to the turn towards liturgical worship and historic Christianity by disenchanted Evangelicals, many have explored this great Christian tradition with a sizable number swelling its ranks. Almost without exception, one of the starting points on any such journey is The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware (now Bishop Kallistos Ware). Books listed as entry points for conversion are often polemical works but this is not the case here. Instead, Ware calmly states the position of Orthodoxy on issues facing the Church without any hint of rancor towards other Christian traditions. It is a mature understanding of the Faith of the Church that is Ware's greatest strength. The irenic approach should not lead one to believe Ware is indifferent towards ecclesial affiliations. It is quite apparent he holds Orthodoxy as the one true Christian Faith. However, this does not lead him to wholesale condemnations of Christians in other traditions, but rather a clear contrast of the Orthodox position to those of the Western Churches.
Originally written when Orthodoxy had few converts in the West, Ware (who became Orthodox in 1958) gives an overview of Orthodox Christianity for those in the West who might find its beliefs and practices alien. Intertwining theological and historical developments in the Church, Ware gives a highly readable analysis of the development of Orthodox doctrine and spirituality. The book is divided into two parts. The first of these presents an Orthodox view of Church history. Beginning with the early Church and working his way through the Ecumenical Councils, the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, the Islamic conquests, the Great Schism, the witness of the Russian Church, and the tumultuous events of the twentieth century, he presents an enlightening view of the development of doctrine and worship that is free from the vindictiveness that plagues many treatments. The second part of the book is an overview of faith and worship in the Orthodox Church. Covering all the important aspects of the Orthodox faith, Ware gives clear expositions of Orthodox doctrine and points out the contrasts with Western Christianity - both Protestant and Roman Catholic. Included are such controversial topics as the role of tradition, salvation, and ecumenism. Ware never displays any animosity towards other Christians but insists that any union must be based upon truth and he believes this is held in its fullness by Orthodoxy. One criticism leveled at this book is Ware's supposedly superficial treatment of Orthodoxy. However, this charge is quite unfair considering the intended audience. The Orthodox Church was written for a Western audience with no prior historical connection to the Orthodox faith. Yes, there are works with more depth (including some by Ware himself), but these are likely to confuse Western Christians. This book may thus be considered as a prologomena for future studies in Orthodoxy. Coming from a Western Christian upbringing and now an Orthodox bishop, Ware has a firm grasp of how to communicate the Orthodox faith to a Western audience. The fact that so many prominent converts cite The Orthodox Church as a turning point in their spiritual journey is evidence to its effectiveness. As an introduction to the riches of Orthodoxy, Ware's The Orthodox Church is unsurpassed.
Rating:
Summary: The Other Christianity
Review: There has been a great surge of interest in Eastern Orthodoxy in recent years. Partly owing to the turn towards liturgical worship and historic Christianity by disenchanted Evangelicals, many have explored this great Christian tradition with a sizable number swelling its ranks. Almost without exception, one of the starting points on any such journey is The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware (now Bishop Kallistos Ware). Books listed as entry points for conversion are often polemical works but this is not the case here. Instead, Ware calmly states the position of Orthodoxy on issues facing the Church without any hint of rancor towards other Christian traditions. It is a mature understanding of the Faith of the Church that is Ware's greatest strength. The irenic approach should not lead one to believe Ware is indifferent towards ecclesial affiliations. It is quite apparent he holds Orthodoxy as the one true Christian Faith. However, this does not lead him to wholesale condemnations of Christians in other traditions, but rather a clear contrast of the Orthodox position to those of the Western Churches.
Originally written when Orthodoxy had few converts in the West, Ware (who became Orthodox in 1958) gives an overview of Orthodox Christianity for those in the West who might find its beliefs and practices alien. Intertwining theological and historical developments in the Church, Ware gives a highly readable analysis of the development of Orthodox doctrine and spirituality. The book is divided into two parts. The first of these presents an Orthodox view of Church history. Beginning with the early Church and working his way through the Ecumenical Councils, the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, the Islamic conquests, the Great Schism, the witness of the Russian Church, and the tumultuous events of the twentieth century, he presents an enlightening view of the development of doctrine and worship that is free from the vindictiveness that plagues many treatments. The second part of the book is an overview of faith and worship in the Orthodox Church. Covering all the important aspects of the Orthodox faith, Ware gives clear expositions of Orthodox doctrine and points out the contrasts with Western Christianity - both Protestant and Roman Catholic. Included are such controversial topics as the role of tradition, salvation, and ecumenism. Ware never displays any animosity towards other Christians but insists that any union must be based upon truth and he believes this is held in its fullness by Orthodoxy. One criticism leveled at this book is Ware's supposedly superficial treatment of Orthodoxy. However, this charge is quite unfair considering the intended audience. The Orthodox Church was written for a Western audience with no prior historical connection to the Orthodox faith. Yes, there are works with more depth (including some by Ware himself), but these are likely to confuse Western Christians. This book may thus be considered as a prologomena for future studies in Orthodoxy. Coming from a Western Christian upbringing and now an Orthodox bishop, Ware has a firm grasp of how to communicate the Orthodox faith to a Western audience. The fact that so many prominent converts cite The Orthodox Church as a turning point in their spiritual journey is evidence to its effectiveness. As an introduction to the riches of Orthodoxy, Ware's The Orthodox Church is unsurpassed.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Introduction to the Orthodox Church
Review: This book does a rather good job of presenting the faith and practice of the Orthodox Church. One good thing about this church is that it has not abandoned the biblical Gospel and emphasizes the importance of both faith and works in our relationship with God. It is unique that it empahsizes the importance of theosis or deification which is very biblical. See the second letter of St. Peter in the first chapter. St. Peter discusses that Christians are enabled to be partakers of the divine nature and to add virtue and goodness and self-control(and other good virtues) to their lives and in doing so will reap a great welcoming into the kingdom of God.(2nd Peter 1:3-11) St. Paul and St. James also emphasized this. St. Paul says in Romans 2 that those who seek immortality and glory and persist in doing good will be rewarded eternal life. St. James in his 2nd chapter emphasied that faith alone without works is dead and will not bring justification. Many people of other Christian traditions(primarily Fundamentalist/Protestant) will isolate scriptures to try to disprove what the Orthodox Church teaches but if you compare Jesus, Paul, and the other Scriptures you will see that the Orthodox Church has not erred on what is essential in our relationship with God. God invites us to repent and confess sin and be forgiven in Jesus Christ, overcome evil with good and to persue peace and holiness. He has provided the way for us to be saved and to partake of the divine nature. This is not done on our own, but by the grace and power of God in us who believe.
Rating:
Summary: A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF ORTHODOXY
Review: this book i s exactly what one would expect of a Penguin book written by a british author. Frighteningly erudite but also a bit dry and unlively. Only two real criticisms can I list that i also think would be of interest to a potential buyer. One: the author does not really explain in a SIMPLE, PLAIN way how the orthodox church is governed. It is not called byzantine for nothing and you will see why after you have read the book. There must be some way of making the subject simpler and this book did not do it. Two: the history, level, and extent of corruption of the byzantine church along with the horrendous anti-semitism that the church has been accused of is just barely covered in this book and hardly noticeable. One scarcely knows whether to believe the accusations or not. Overall a fine piece of work. But the reader should be aware that if he wants to find a primer on church government or an in depth history this is certainly not the book nor i suppose was it intended to be.
Rating:
Summary: important reading, but...
Review: This book is a good primer for the beliefs and history of the Orthodox Church. However, I think that to the layman, this book gets a bit bogged down in religious jargon, making it a little tough to get through.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: This book is a must read for anyone considering Orthodoxy. This book gives a nice historical overview of the Orthodox Church, including keeping doctrines in the context of the Church's movement across the centuries.
Rating:
Summary: Great Intro to the Orthodox
Review: This book is a treasure to introduce one to this long standing yet little known branch of Christianity. Bibliography is well organized to lead one into specific areas of interest. So important that we understand where each is coming from before critiquing. Ware's fine work is commendable to open up the eastern church for those of us in the west.
Rating:
Summary: A great historical treatment
Review: This book is a very concise yet detailed history of the Eastern Church from its beginnings until the late 20th century. In addition to covering the seven ecumenical councils it provides a fascinating overview of why the Eastern and Western churches divided irreconcilably by the middle of the eleventh century.
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