<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: An "eastern" approach to Christianity
Review: Father Bajis' own description of his work cannot be topped, nor should it be. He's done his homework, now do yours! If you read this book serveral things will happen. You'll get a great introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy, geared to the Protestant and Catholic mindset. You'll get an incredible reading list by reading the extensive endnotes. In addition, you will most likely learn more about your own history, whether your Prot or Catholic. If you have not read his description above this review, please do (yourself a favor)!Other books of interest: "Not by Scripture Alone" by Sungenis, "The Orthodox Way", "The Orthodox Church", and "How are We Saved?" by Bishop Kallistos Ware. Congar's "Tradition and Traditions" is a great work of Catholic scholarship by one of the masters. "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church" by Vladimir Lossky will reshape your brain (and your nous)!
Rating:
Summary: Differences of Eastern Orthodoxy vs religions in the west
Review: For over four hundred years the Orthodox Church was the church of Christianity. This excellent book accurately spells out the differences between the Christian experience in the early church and Christianity in the Western world. It successfully points us back to the basics that made that early church so powerful. In the process I found that my understanding of the faith as something primarily between God and me was very skewed. Having come to understand how the early Christians lived out the faith in covenant community rather than as individuals has redirected my life,and made the bible much more understandable. As a result, I have a much deeper walk with God than I would ever have considered possible. While it may be a primer for those well steeped in the Orthodox tradition, it was a book that took several readings simply because our Western culture is not inherently communal as was the Biblical culture in which Christianity flourished. Anyone who seriously wants to grow in their Christian walk would find this a fount of knowledge and information that can seriously open one's eyes as to just how much more is available to them than most Christians presently experience.
Rating:
Summary: Great scholarship and a great resource. Very Balanced.
Review: I wrote the following review some time ago, and after rereading the book a few times, I am more convinced than ever that this is the best book to give to friends who are interested in the Eastern Church, or to read for yourself if you are looking eastward! I've added some more books to the end of the review for those interested in further study. Enjoy!
Father Bajis' own description of his work cannot be topped, nor should it be. He's done his homework, now do yours! If you read this book serveral things will happen. You'll get a great introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy, geared to the Protestant and Catholic mindset. You'll get an incredible reading list by reading the extensive endnotes. In addition, you will most likely learn more about your own history, whether you're Prot or Catholic. If you have not read his description above this review, please do (yourself a favor)! Other books of interest: "Not by Scripture Alone" by Sungenis, "The Orthodox Way", "The Orthodox Church", and "How are We Saved?" by Bishop Kallistos Ware. Congar's "Tradition and Traditions" is a great work of Catholic scholarship by one of the masters. "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church" by Vladimir Lossky will reshape your brain (and your nous)! For those of you who are more daring and looking to bite into something more meaty: "Being As Communion" by John Zizioulas; "Energies of the Spirit" by Duncan Reid; "The Ground of Union" by Williams. They deal with east/west theologies of the Trinity and the Holy Spirit, but they touch on everything else in between! Very deep stuff, takes time to read, but highly recommended! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: An "eastern" approach to spirituality
Review: The book's main purpose is to describe the type of Christianity typically associated with eastern orthodox churches but which, for me, seems close in many ways to themes within post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism (the author is clear to point out that this tradition took a decided turn at that juncture). Significant topics for me included the nature of authority (e.g., scripture, clergy, spirit), choices made during the Reformation and by Evangelical traditions, the central role of communion (in the Trinity and church), and salvation (along with 'original sin'). It provided me with important perspectives on these 'traditional' topics from my own background (Presbyterian raised, now Catholic), and the contrasts he drew helped provoke me into a deeper dialogue concerning my ever-evolving faith (as well as discussions within my parish). A scholarly effort, well-research; highly academic tone in most though not all places, but the text is not bulky (chapter endnotes carry that weight and are quite valuable). Lastly, individuals pursuing ecumenical dialogues, seminarians from all traditions, and those searching for a faith-full home grounded in (common) tradition -- whence the title "Common Ground" -- would be well served to read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: provocative exploration: compares and contrasts
Review: This book is not afraid to ask the tough questions, or make the tough comparisons. For this reason, it may make many uncomfortable. It bucks the the modern trend to over-pursue the appearance of "avoiding being judgemental" and so avoids the common pitfall of bland assertions. My first encounter with it was in the context of a discussion group, and things got quite heated. The large format of the book lends itself well to writing notes in the margins. As others have mentioned, the bibliography has many good pointers.
Rating:
Summary: provocative exploration: compares and contrasts
Review: This book is not afraid to ask the tough questions, or make the tough comparisons. For this reason, it may make many uncomfortable. It bucks the the modern trend to over-pursue the appearance of "avoiding being judgemental" and so avoids the common pitfall of bland assertions. My first encounter with it was in the context of a discussion group, and things got quite heated. The large format of the book lends itself well to writing notes in the margins. As others have mentioned, the bibliography has many good pointers.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Compare and Contrast
Review: This is the absolute best book for comparing and contrasting Orthodoxy with Roman Catholic and Protestant theologies. One of the biggest problems I have when speaking with others about faith issues is that some just aren't aware that when we say Baptism, Eucharist, Salvation, etc., we don't all mean the same thing. In a non-argumentative way, the author clearly describes the major teachings of Orthodox, Catholic, and major Protestant doctrines side-by-side. Great for cradle Orthodox to understand the theology of other denominations, as well as for others to understand us Orthodox.
Rating:
Summary: Introducing Eastern Christianity to us American Christians
Review: This IS the book you want to give to your Protestant(insert denomination here) and Roman Catholic friends. This book will explain to them Why they believe what they believe. Along with the Who? What? When? Where? How? & Why? (And Yes Protestants/Roman Catholics what you believe is NOT what or even close to the way the early Church thought, taught or practiced. Don't believe me? read it for yourself. Mr. Bajis shows the reader that the Protestant(s)and Roman Catholics MIS-interpreted and RE-interpreted Scripture to suit their own ignorant/prejudicial opinions and cultural biases.
Eastern Christianity IS the Christianity of the early Church. If you read *Matthew 16:18-19 and Ephesians 4:4-6* {and I hope you do} and are wanting the Church that the Lord himself promised? Then read this book.
Also read "Preaching Another Christ"-An Orthodox View of Evangelicalism by Saint Theophan the Recluse and "What Every Orthodox Christian Should Know by Fr. George Nicozisin." Don't forget Christianity is an Eastern religion.
<< 1 >>
|
