Kallistos Ware (1934–2022)

As a Protestant Christian, I share much theology in common with Eastern Orthodoxy; however, Protestantism's emphasis lies more with justification than with Trinitarianism and Christology. Eastern Orthodox theology and spirituality tend to ground themselves in the nature of God. In this book, Kallistos Ware shows how the Orthodox maintained the emphasis of the early church's creeds all the way to the present day.

This book is simultaneously faithful to the Eastern Orthodox tradition and open show more to dialogue with the West and Western culture. It, thankfully, does not fall into the trap of being militant towards other Christian groups while still maintaining its clear integrity and center. Ware's scholarship of the church fathers and of Western Christians taught me a few thoughts and references that I hadn't thought through before.

It's hard to evaluate religious books in a way that's deeper than just, "I agree with it" or "I don't." Ware presents the tradition well - so well that even thoughtful Protestants can gain from his presentation. He is clear in the doctrine but open to critique. He's not condemning but thoroughly positive. For anyone interested in Eastern Orthodoxy or just for religious practices built upon Trinitarianism and Christology, just like the early church did, I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly. It can deepen your own faith; it certainly did mine. show less

Like many Protestants, I have not experienced an in-depth introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy in my life. I’ve driven by its churches, sure, I’ve met its churchgoers, and in religion classes, I’ve read about its history. However, I never have taken a deep-dive into its culture on my own, mediated only be an advocate for its faith expression. Therefore, I read Timothy Ware’s classic work, now in a third edition, on the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith with the hope of better show more appreciating this church.

Historically, the western and eastern churches began to drift apart in the later half of the first millennium because of language and cultural differences. The frosty relationship was cemented in 1054 when the patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople excommunicated each other. As such, they’ve developed two very different histories, with the Protestant Reformation in the West and a pronounced interaction with Islam in the East. Even the theological terminologies, methodologies, and questions tend to be starkly different among the two groups.

I appreciated much of what this book taught me about Eastern Orthodoxy. I find its theological tradition mostly appealing, but I struggle with its understanding of the church (ecclesiology). Eastern Orthodoxy, like almost every other religious movement, suffers from the idea that its tradition must be exclusively right instead of just another voice in a healthy dialogue. This book’s final chapter on ecumenism illustrates this pitfall well. The church’s only proposal for reconciliation is for other groups to see the “error” in their ways. It’s hard to erase 1500 years of isolation without respecting the other side’s isolation first.

This book offers a solid introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy and represents a good exposition of the religious differences of the church with other Christian faiths. It should continue to help seminary and divinity students understand the rich theological world they inhabit. It’s written more for that ilk and not for the wider reading public. Nonetheless, it helps elucidate the historical forces in one of the most ancient of faiths. show less

Despite this being little more than a pamphlet it is full to the brim with wisdom and guidance. Like other works by Kallistos Ware every word it put to work.

The book describes the history, practice and purpose of The Jesus Prayer. This short but profound prayer has been a cornerstone if Orthodox contemplative prayer for centuries.

Great overview of the Orthodox churches; there's not much to complain about. I would've liked a bit more theology, but you can't have everything. To my surprise, the twentieth century history bits were my favorites- what could easily have devolved into an 'oh how we were oppressed by evil communists' rant was very balanced and insightful. It's odd that someone with such a firm grasp on history can still claim that the Orthodox church practices Christianity as is was practiced during the age show more of the great councils, but no doubt there's a way to finesse the somewhat obvious differences between the national (dare I say nationalist?) churches of the present and the ideas of primitive Christianity. show less