Rating: 
Summary: Edited review
Review: After having studied a bit more about Orthodoxy, I went back to take another look at Gilchrist's book. I'm still only giving it two stars, but my reasoning is a little different.When I first read the book, I was fascinated by the personal experience of a Campus Crusade leader and many of his colleagues ending up founding an Eastern Orthodox church. So little is known about Orthodoxy in Protestant circles, who tend to lump it in with Catholicism if they consider it at all. That trend is slowly changing as "postmodern" evangelicals reach out for the ancient church in a search for something more authentic than the latest pop theological craze. This is why Gilchrist's book, while enthusiastic and personal, is disappointing for the Protestant who reaches out to understand Orthodoxy. The book doesn't seem to know if it wants to be personal testimony or apology of Orthodox doctrine. At times it leaps back and forth between the two. There is a zealous tone that is reminiscent of the author's Campus Crusade background-- "of COURSE you're going to be Orthodox!" Perhaps because of this breezy confidence on the part of the author, his explanations of the doctrinal points that trouble most Protestants about Orthodoxy (Marianism, "real presence", icons and so forth) are perfunctory and unconvincing. The overall effect is to underline the differences between the two branches of Christianity, which put me on the mental defensive as I read it, rather than give a foundational understanding of Orthodoxy that puts those doctrinal points in a context. This kind of understanding is, in my opinion, better and more carefully explained by Kallistos Ware. Gilchrist's book is worth reading for the "historical" value, for understanding some of the roots of what is a growing trend: Protestants looking east. He and his companions blazed this trail in many ways, and their experience deserves a look. I simply recommend one not stop with this book, nor perhaps start with it, either.
Rating:
Summary: My questions were not answered sufficently...
Review: As I am young and exploring my Christian faith, I am always looking for the truth about God and Christianity... Up until the past three months, I never even knew that the Orthodox Church existed. But upon my discovery of this different type of Christianity, I began to wonder if their way was the correct way. Now to the book. One of my friend's parents recommended it to me because they said it would answer many of my questions about the Orthodox Church. The title was very appealing to me, as it was about Evangelicals becoming Orthodox (perfect for my situation). And I began to read... I was dissapointed with what I found. The main division between Orthodox and Evangelicals, that of the Orthodox accepting the tradition, was only addressed for one and a half pages (ch.5). Otherwise, if you already believe in Orthodox Christianity, it's a great book because it explains a lot about what the tradition is (I just wish it did more of why I should listen to what it says!).
Rating: 
Summary: A great conversion story!
Review: As interest in the history of Christianity and ancient forms of worship and practice continues to grow, books like this will become more popular. This book tells the story of Fr. Peter Gilquist and some of his close friends as they struggled to find their way into the historic and apostolic Church, and eventually became Orthodox Christians. Although the book is quite polemical at times and doesn't state things as politely or cordially as it should, I believe it's strong points far outweigh it's weak points. First, the author gives his life story and his journey of faith. From growing up Lutheran, to eventually becoming a Baptist, and then starting his own unique orthodox church, Fr. Gilquist has definitely been around the denominational block and speaks from experience. Then the author describes the unique journey he and his friends embarked on as they sought to find the Apostles Church and researched the issue from many possible angles. The other sections of this book then deal with the struggles of these men to find their way into the Orthodox Church. From their rejection by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the subsequent dismay, to their acceptance by the Patriarchate of Antioch and their entrance into the Church, the entire journey is discussed. Also, the book contains a few chapters that deal with particular points of doctrine and practice that these individuals struggled with such as veneration of the Theotokos and the idea of referring to priest's as Father. Both issues are discussed and dealt with from Scripture and I believe the author does a decent job of answering objections. The reason I gave this book 4 stars was because it was polemical at times. There were a few instances where the author was a bit tougher on Protestantism than he should have been. Also, Gilquist seems to say many negative things about the Catholic Church and not very many positive things. I know he and his friends reached the conclusion that the Bishop of Rome was wrong, but he should realize that many individuals in his shoes have reached the opposite conclusion and he could have been more ecumenical in his tone. Overall, these deficencies do not detract from the overall quality of the book and I think this a book that anyone interested in Orthodoxy or ancient Christianity should read.
Rating:
Summary: A great conversion story!
Review: As interest in the history of Christianity and ancient forms of worship and practice continues to grow, books like this will become more popular. This book tells the story of Fr. Peter Gilquist and some of his close friends as they struggled to find their way into the historic and apostolic Church, and eventually became Orthodox Christians. Although the book is quite polemical at times and doesn't state things as politely or cordially as it should, I believe it's strong points far outweigh it's weak points. First, the author gives his life story and his journey of faith. From growing up Lutheran, to eventually becoming a Baptist, and then starting his own unique orthodox church, Fr. Gilquist has definitely been around the denominational block and speaks from experience. Then the author describes the unique journey he and his friends embarked on as they sought to find the Apostles Church and researched the issue from many possible angles. The other sections of this book then deal with the struggles of these men to find their way into the Orthodox Church. From their rejection by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and the subsequent dismay, to their acceptance by the Patriarchate of Antioch and their entrance into the Church, the entire journey is discussed. Also, the book contains a few chapters that deal with particular points of doctrine and practice that these individuals struggled with such as veneration of the Theotokos and the idea of referring to priest's as Father. Both issues are discussed and dealt with from Scripture and I believe the author does a decent job of answering objections. The reason I gave this book 4 stars was because it was polemical at times. There were a few instances where the author was a bit tougher on Protestantism than he should have been. Also, Gilquist seems to say many negative things about the Catholic Church and not very many positive things. I know he and his friends reached the conclusion that the Bishop of Rome was wrong, but he should realize that many individuals in his shoes have reached the opposite conclusion and he could have been more ecumenical in his tone. Overall, these deficencies do not detract from the overall quality of the book and I think this a book that anyone interested in Orthodoxy or ancient Christianity should read.
Rating:
Summary: Great book to rediscover the Church
Review: Father Peter gives a very personal account of his and the Evengelic orthodox Church's conversion to Orthodoxy. It is not an introduction of Orthodoxy. However it is a very fascinating read, even though I personnally would have wished a more detailed account of how the liturgical and ecclesiastical life of the Evangelical Orthodox Church looked like.
I am a convert from the reformed (Zwinglian) Church myself. Even though the book did by no means reflect my own way to Orthodoxy it was worth reading. The most revealing thing for me was to rediscover the scriptural and historic foundations of my Church. We do of course celebrate and rejoice in the Apostolic Tradition of our Church, but I have never read such a well researched description. And the very personal stile of the book makes it an easy read. I imagine that for Protestants it is a bit harder to digest, as Father Peter makes to strong a point about which Church he considers "The Real One". For Orthodox however it is a very valuable reading because of it's in depth research of our scriptural and historic past.
So if you want to get to know Orthodoxy, there are better books (eg. "The Orthodox Way" or " The Orthodox Church" for the more historically minded by Bishop Kallistos). If you want to rediscover the Church from a new (and almost Evangelical) angle, go for it!
Rating:
Summary: Unconvincing Enthusiasm
Review: I almost hesitate to write this review, as many of my fellow readers have already made excellent observations in theirs. But here is my two cents: Gilquist's book is ultimately neither a good introduction to Orthodox theology nor a convincing argument for following him on his journey East. There are three primary reasons I say this: (1.) his group's use of highly selective criteria in judging which was the "true church;" (2.) lack of response to or even mention of counter-arguments by Catholics and Protestants; and (3.)a somewhat "holier-than-thou" attitude which pervades the book. To explain the first weakness: There were many characteristics of the 1st century church which are not commonly found today: congregations meeting in homes, public halls or synagogues; the pooling of financial resources for division by the Apostles; the widespread occurence of miraculous signs, inc. mass healings (could any of his beloved metropolitans, whom he claims inherited their thrones from the likes of Peter and Paul, approach a crippled man and say "rise up and walk"?); an intense missionary zeal which is traditionally absent in Orthodoxy; a cross-cultural "melting pot" experience which contrasts sharply with Orthodoxy's nationalism and occasional xenophobia. Why were these not considered as signs of the true church, rather than the forms of government and worship? Secondly, Gilquist fails to answer Catholic claims that they are the true church, and the Orthodox bodies the schismatics. He also does not address the Protestant contention that the term "Church" refers to an invisible and wholely spiritual body, not an organization. Lastly, Gilquist comes across as condescending and a trifle arrogant in addressing Christians of other bodies. I have met many, many wonderful Protestants and Catholics who work without pay to heal the sick, feed the hungry, comfort the despairing, and in every way follow the example of Christ - I would love to see him explain to them how their churches and traditions are "deficient." All in all, I cannot recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: I loved this book...
Review: I was given this book to read by a fellow Methodist following our discussions regarding the disconcerting effect that certain seminaries have on sincere, loving Christian pastors. He had underlined a passage in which an older Christian warned a would-be student about unbelieving professors and the negative outcome of being taught by so-called "experts" in theological studies: those who have intellectualized and rationalized faith right out of their own Christian lives.
For some reason, it never occured to me that this book would be about Eastern Othodoxy (so far removed have I been from any exposure to this branch of Christianity.)
Late one evening, I started reading Father Gillquist's open-hearted search for Ancient Christianity. It touched my heart and mind, and I could not put the book down.
If you long for spiritual wholeness and deep-down peace, read Father Gillquist's account of his journey from Evangelical Protestantism to the Ancient path. I believe you will find nothing offensive to your own beliefs, and will gain some real insight into this branch of Christianity that has changed little since the Apostolic days.
Rating:
Summary: Becoming Orthodox
Review: Many books I have read on Orthodox are very serious. (though that doesnt make them bad reads) Anyhow, this book was more upbeat light hearted. It tells the journey of ministers who finds their way back to the true church. There were a lot of excellent points in this book. It definately made big differences in my journey. In the end, the minister as well as the others, find their true home in The Orthodox Church. It is an informative and uplifting journey!
Rating:
Summary: Validation in Numbers
Review: Peter Gillquist charts the journey that so many of us have been on. What makes their story particularly amazing is that they didn't start from Orthodoxy. In complete ignorance, these Campus Crusaders began to study and to search. When they discovered Orthodoxy, in typical Protestant fashion they set up their own Evangelical Orthodox Church. The remainder of the book chronicles their journey through theological and ecclesial waters, their attempts to overcome protestant proclivities against certain practices and their search for union with an Orthodox fellowship. What makes their story amazing is that they started from *nothing* but church history and the Bible. This journey is reflected in my own. I intend to buy copies for my family who cannot understand how I could become Orthodox. I expect it would be helpful for Protestants who have visceral reactions against any suggestion that one particular church might actually come close to embodying the "New Testament Church."
Rating:
Summary: Good Boook About Conversion To Orthodoxy
Review: This book chronicals the journey for some ex-Evangelicals, many of whom worked for Campus Crusade for Christ, and joined the Eastern Orthodox religion. The book works on two levels: (1) it works at by providing an earnest account of their journey. I say their journey because although it is written by Father Peter Gillquist and he is the person narrating the story, he tries and focus his account with others in the group. So it is a personal account while at the same time, tellling the story of the new founded denomination Evangelical Orthodox Church, which later converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church. (2), He deals with certian objections he anticipates from the readers such as Traditions and Mary. He does this effectively, however, it is done in a simple way as not to turn the book into an academic theological discourse. This works well for beginners into the subject. It may not satisfy all however, and sometimes he does not "close the case" well enough to persuade even thoughs who might agree with him. He could have dealt with historical material with a little more depth and still kept the pace of the book quick and intersting. Over all, still a good read. For a conversion story it is less polemic than Frank Schaeffer's book "Dancing Alone" and therefore an easier read, however, he presents a less convincing case for Orthodoxy than Schaeffer.
| 
