The Orthodox Church

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction
Review: This book is an excellent introduction to Orthodoxy for western Chrisitians. Bishop Ware gives a very good survey of the history of the Orthodox Church including the theological problems which separate Orthodoxy from Catholicism. This book was one of the first stepping stones to my own coversion to Orthodoxy. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Good Basic Information on Eastern Orthodoxy
Review: This book is certainly a good reference for learning about this denomination. It gives a lot of history, and tells how Eastern Orthodox Christians view Protestants and Roman Catholics. It also gives good insights as to HOW this denominatation came up with their beliefs, which has a different methodology from other branches of Christianity. As a native American, I found the names of cities, people, and countries to make the reading tedious at times. Readers who are more familiar with the history of Eastern Europe would undoubtedly find it easier reading than I did.

Rating:
Summary: A great overview of the orthodox church
Review: This book offers a great overview of the Orthodox Church. From the beginning of the Christian faith and the formation of the Christian Church, this book details the unchanging history and doctrine of the true Christian Church.

This book is great for people just interested in the faith, to the Orthodox faithful who want to deepen their understanding.


Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction to Orthodoxism
Review: This book was exactly what I was looking for -- an introduction into the beliefs of the Orthodox Church and how it differs from the Roman Catholic Church. Concise and precise. I enjoyed reading it and it is a good research book.

Rating:
Summary: Profoundly Insightful Introduction to Orthodoxy
Review: This delightful book will serve anyone interested in Orthodoxy uniquely well. The first part offers a concise, though thorough, history of Orthodoxy over the last 2000 years. The second part covers the theology of the Church with breathtaking clarity. Overall, this is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the differences between Eastern and Western Christianity. I especially recommend this book for Western Christians who have vague ideas of what "Eastern Orthodoxy" is all about.

Rating:
Summary: First Step To Understanding Orthodoxy
Review: This is an excellent book that was recommended to me by the Orthodox Priest at a church near me to begin my journey through Orhtodoxy. The collection of information is invaluable. You are provided with a good, stable background regarding the history of The Orthodox Church. An excellent place to start!

Rating:
Summary: excellent overview
Review: This is an excellent book. When I was a kid, I read my dad's version from the 1960's or so, but this new, updated version takes into account post-communist Russia and the history and impact of Orthodoxy there. Recommended strongly for any Orthodox Christian wanting to know more about their faith, as well as for anyone interested in Christian Orthodoxy in general.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction the faith of the Orthodox Church
Review: This is an excellent book. It is a scholarly account of the history and faith of the Orthodox Church which should be read by all Christians. As a Byzantine Rite Catholic (in communion with Rome) I also appreciate the nonpolemical tone of the book and the willingness to honestly discuss the issues that divide the Western and Eastern Churches.

Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction
Review: This is an excellent introduction to Orthodoxy. While it certainly does not go as in depth on various subjects as I would have liked, it does present the basics of Orthodoxy. For further reading I recommend the first three volumes of Clark Carlton's "Faith" series.

Rating:
Summary: Start With This One
Review: This is simply the finest one-volume study on the Orthodox Church.
Timothy (now Bishop Kallistos) Ware performed all the research and reflection needed to make this a great book to chew on chapter by chapter. He covers everything well, from church history to doctrine to liturgics to organization.
It's no wonder that this book has made so many converts. I had already made the decision to become Orthodox (a decision I made 20 years ago and have never regretted), but this volume spurred me on my way with its lucid portrayal of the True Faith.