The Orthodox Way

One of my all-time favorites on religion. It's a pretty short book, and it moves very quickly. Since the first time I read it in college, I've been struck by how similar my Methodist-inspired beliefs are to Orthodoxy, and how they resolve a lot of the problems I struggle with (the point/necessity of the crucifixion, e.g.,) in ways that make a lot of sense to me. The final chapters on God as eternity and God as journey are particularly good (although I probably think that because I read them most recently), but the whole book is excellent.

Western Christianity is incomplete without its other half, the Eastern. My faith made more sense when I began, some years ago, to learn a little about Orthodoxy. Celtic Christian spirituality is very similar, and when I asked an Orthodox priest about this, he said "They are the same". They do not have St Augustine's doctrine of original sin, and there is a more profound reverence for God's creation. They say "Have peace in your soul, and thousands around you will be saved". I think I have experienced the truth of that, in a small way.

From the author of "The Orthodox Church." Discusses the basic practices of the orthodox faith. I would recommend this to people who are interested in Orthodoxy beyond just an academic viewpoint, though it could certainly be used for that as well. The author writes very personally, though the book also contains great information on an academic level.

The thing I like about the Orthodox is that they do not split theology from spirituality, and Ware is one of the best and clearest writers in this tradition. To learn about God is secondary to knowing God.

This book and Bp. Kalistos' other, "The Orthodox Church" was recommended by the Orthodox priest who taught me a lot about the church. I converted to Orthodoxy because of these books, so they are a great guide to one considering becoming a catechumen.

This book is a general account of the doctrine, worship and life of Orthodox Christians by the author of the now classic The Orthodox Church. It raises the basic issues of theology: God is hidden yet revealed; the problem with evil; the nature of salvation; the meaning of faith; prayer; death and what lies beyond.

One of the best books on the Trinity that I have ever read.