Product Description
This book not only presents Eastern Orthodox readings of the great Latin theologian, but also demonstrates the very nature of theological consensus in ecumenical dialogue, from a referential starting point of the ancient and great Fathers. This collection exemplifies how, once, the Latin and Byzantine churches, from a deep communion of the faith that transcended linguistic, cultural and intellectual differences, sang from the same page a harmonious song of the beauty of Christ. Contributors are: Lewis Ayres, John Behr, David Bradshaw, Brian E. Daley, George E. Demacopoulos, Elizabeth Fisher, Reinhard Flogaus, Carol Harrison, David Bentley Hart, Joseph T. Lienhard, Andrew Louth, Jean-Luc Marion, Aristotle Papanikolaou, and David Tracy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Misleading title, but challenging essays.\
The title of this book should read *Augustinian Readings of Orthodoxy.* The set up of this book was weird. It was published by an Orthodox Seminary, yet most of the authors were Roman Catholics and Augustinian Anglicans, I think. Most of the authors were quite critical of many Orthodox distinctives. I wonder if the editors/publisher thought all of these things through.

Contents of the book:
Notwithstanding, most of the essays were good. Demacopolas gives an interesting survey of Augustinian studies in the past few centuries. He gives particular notice to the neo-Palamites, noting that they have done the most in framing the Augustinian debate as a fierce East vs. West battle. Interestingly, almost all of the authors in the book, even the pro-Orthodoxy ones, will critique this move of neo-Palamism.However, none of the essayists actually *refute* the neo-palamist arguments.

Some of the essays are just weird. Flogaus argues that Palamas was influenced by Augustine. While that's shocking, Flogaus certainly cites his sources and is fairly convincing. Except Flogaus doesn't seem to think that he is actually convincing? It's like "Yeah, Palamas borrowed from St Augustine, but not really." I am not kidding.That is his conclusion.Brian Daley gives an interesting comparison between Maximus and Augustine. While many Westerners (von Balthasar, most notoriously) think there is one pure line of thought from Augustine to Maximus to Aquinas to one's favorite movement today, Daley actually puts the breaks on that reasoning. He does note some similarities between the two authors, but supposes that could simply be the common Catholic consensus of the time, rather than Maximus overtly borrowing ideas from Augustine. Instead, Maximus almost doesn't quote Augustine--if at all--especially in places where it would have been most pertinent had he done so.

Joseph Lienhard discusses Augustine's use of the Cappadocian fathers. It's not clear what Lienhard was actually arguing. I don't remember a specific argument. It is true that Augustine quoted a few of the Cappadocians around a dozen times, but that doesn't prove--nor does Lienhard specifically argue thus--that the Cappadocians were basically Augustinians. I would like to have seen Lienhard specifically interact with Augustine's use of St Basil. Augustine quotes Basil as advocating original sin, which Basil emphatically denies (Hexameron, Homily 2.5; 9.4). ??????????

The main event of the show is the Trinitarian discussions by Ayres, Hart, Behr, Bradshaw, and to a strange degree, Jean-Luc Marion. Ayres writes a fantastic essay, even if I demur at points, arguing for a metaphysics of the Spirit. He makes many outstanding insights, most notably that each act of "sending" is also an act of "revealing" (130). The essence is the Trinity itself (Behr offers a corrective to that essentially true insight). Ayres via Augustine sees the revelation of the Spirit as an invitation to reflect on the Triune economy (143). Nevertheless, I do not find Ayres' filioquist reasoning persuasive simply because such reasoning is convoluted to begin with and can also be used to argue for precisely the opposite conclusion. However, that shouldn't take away from the otherwise brilliance of the essay.

David Bentley Hart argues that the Nicene ontology destroyed the old pagan metaphysics. The Father did not generate the Logos with respect to creation, nor was the Logos's generation a "second moment" of the Real, but the Logos is the reality of God. Hart makes many insightful points to that respect; unfortunately, he tries to take on David Bradshaw. He says that Bradshaw mistranslated and misunderstood Augustine on "intelligibis," making Augustine to say that the mind comprehends the divine nature. Hart says that's not what intelligibis means (never mind that Latin theological dictionaries do render the word in the way that Bradshaw used it). Hart tries to rebut Bradshaw when Bradshaw says that for Gregory of Nyssa the divine names refer to the divine energies primarily, not to the Divine Nature. Yet in the next few sentences Hart admits that for Gregory the divine names refer to how God manifests himself toward us, which is another way of saying they are the divine energies!!!!!!!!

David Bradshaw gives a brief summary of his book Aristotle East and West. He notes that for Augustine, truth is defined as convertible with being, and the more united (unitary?) one is, the more being it has. More importantly, for Augustine God's being is identified with God's will--God's eternal act of willing. The implications are staggering--and which Hart doesn't want to face, given his commitment to Absolute Divine Simplicity: if God's being is necessary and natural, and God's eternal act of willing is identical with God's being, then could God have willed otherwise? If yes, then how does that follow with the identification of being and willing? If no, how is that not a form of Origenism? And putting necessity on God? Hart doesn't really give an answer to this question.

Fr Andrew Louth closes with a gentle reminder that we should read Augustine on the psalms, for in the psalms we hear the voice of Christ speaking to us.

Wide range of essays
Not sure if I just wasn't in the mood, or if these were too theological for simple me. There are some interesting essays, and the topics covered seem comprehensive, but I found it too difficult a slog as a read for interest. Perhaps better suited to academic use and those with more knowledge and education than myself. ... Read more

Product Description
Israel expected the Messiah to be a conquering hero who would liberate the Jews from their Roman servitude. But instead, Christ came as a suffering servant to liberate all mankind from slavery to sin. The Gospel of Mark records Christ's public ministry as a journey to the Cross, yet - paradoxically again - as a time of vigorous action when His miracles astounded the multitudes, and His boldness infuriated His foes. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes index and appendices.

In 1794, the first Orthodox missionary monks arrived at Kodiak to fond what they believed would be an indigenous Orthodox Church in the New World. They recognized as integral to their mission the defense of Native people who were being abused, exploited and enslaved by an unjust regime. The mission understood its function in cosmic terms: to sanctify, here and now, this land, these people, and bring them to the unity-in-love which is the goal of authentic Christian mission.

The history of the Alaskan Church confirms the eternal and indestructible character of the Church's vision, integrating into her worship the cosmic, scriptural and eschatological dimension of faith. Among the Native Americans in Alaska, Orthodoxy has become an integral part of an authentically American culture. Consequently it is appropriate that an Orthodox theology of mission should originate from the Alaskan context. If an American Orthodox missiology is to emerge, its formulation should serve not only the Church in America but contribute to the clarification of Orthodox theology for the universal Church as well.

Archpriest Michael J. Oleska, Alaskan Orthodox missionary for nearly three decades, completed his doctoral work in Church History and Patristics at the Orthodox Theological Faculty in Presov, Slovakia, in 1988. Upon completing a year of research and teaching at Moscow's St Patriarch Tikhon Theological Institute, he was elected Dean of St Herman's Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska, in 1996. He is also the editor of Alaskan Missionary Spirituality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

super book
HIghly recommended for those who are interested in Alaska history, Russian Orthodoxy, Russian America

A wonderful learning experience!
I didn't know much about Orthodox religions before I bought this book.Not only did I learn an awful lot about the Russian Orthodox Church, but I got to see things through the eyes of a missionary.It presents topics that are not confined to the religion, but delve deep into the Alaska culture and how it both flourished and collided with Russian culture.I would gladly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about missionary life, Alaskan native culture, Russian history, or the Russian Orthodox religion.

Unalaska and the Conflicts of the Colony
Although a little dry in places, Orthodox Alaska does a good job of illustrating the conflicts that arose between Russian Orthodox missionaries and the Russian corporations established to mine the wealth of Unalaska. Itwas especially interesting to see how involved the missionaries were inadvocating for the native peoples of the colonies and how the consideredsuch advocacy and important part of their faith.

An excellent book: readable and factual.
Michael Oleksa has done a marvelous job of giving the reader a sense both of the committment of the Orthodox missionaries and the wondrously deep spirituality of Native Alaskans.We see the classical struggles of the Church against the "world" and the people for the Church in *Orthodox Alaska.*I highly recommend it to anyone seriously considering the missionary field, or even those looking for an example of missionaries and the people they serve getting Christianity right! ... Read more

Product Description
This in-depth study on the realm of death presents a message of hope held by the first generation of Christians and the early church. Using Scripture, patristic tradition, early Christian poetry, and liturgical texts, Archbishop Hilarion explores the mysterious and enigmatic event of Christ s descent into Hades and its consequences for the human race. Insisting that Christ entered Sheol as Conqueror and not as victim, the author depicts the Lord s descent as an event of cosmic significance opening the path to universal salvation. He also reveals Hades as a place of divine presence, a place where the spiritual fate of a person may still change. Reminding readers that self-will remains the only hindrance to life in Christ, he presents the gospel message anew, even in the shadow of death. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"
I purchased this book because it was the only book dedicated to the topic of what is commonly known as "The Harrowing of Hell", the belief that when Christ died on the Cross, His soul descended into Sheol, until His Resurrection.

This book was phenomenal for several reasons.

1. It deals with a subject matter that is often overlooked or ignored by the modern Church.

2. It traces the doctrine throughout the centuries, starting with the New Testament, the Apostolic Fathers, onward through the Church Fathers.

3. It points out the need for this doctrine, by showing us how Christ conquered Hades and death, and that now believers really don't need to fear death, because Christ has truly conquered it.

The Archbishop puts forward three possible theories as to who Christ saved from Hades (Sheol) when he descended.

1. The Old Testament Saints, which is the belief that the Western Church has commonly held (myself included).

2. That by His preaching, it gave those spirits listening the opportunity to repent and be saved (a view that I'm open to.).

3. That Christ saved everyone in Hades, and now it lies broken and empty, with only the devil and the demons as it's inhabitants. (I'm not too keen on this view for several reasons).

The book is fascinating, and really makes you think about the emplications of the Son of God entering Hades, and its consequences for the human race. I recomend this book to any serious student of the Scriptures and Church History. I was struck by just how many of the Fathers were united on this belief, and how prevalent it has been down through the ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Pro mikva!
The monthly journey to the mikva was the only relevant thing I got out of this book.There was not any other substantive information except an emphasis
on monthly mikva attendance.I found the discussion with the book was dry. I would not pay to read on this subject again.

An insightful read
If you're interested in becoming an Orthodox Jewish woman, or are simply curious why young women have turned to the Jewish Orthodoxy, this book is for you.Also, if just you feel that you cannot fathom the highly-structured world of Orthodox Judaism, this book is a great starting place for you.The writer, inspired by her own sister's choice to (re)turn to Orthodox Judaism, wondered why women would want to subject themselves to a way of life that seems so patriarchal on the surface.In a time when many women were turning to women's liberation movements, the women who Debra Kaufman studied were becoming more religious.They weren't trying to gain the same kind of equality with men that other women wanted.The interviewees were seeking more defined spiritual and social roles that were different from men's roles, but equally important and meaningful.Above all, these women, like all other people have done, were looking for meaning in their lives.Kaufman compares and contrasts these women's views to those of other women who joined other religious and non-religious groups.I liked this book overall because it was sociologically-inspired, and not at all preachy. ... Read more

Product Description
This book makes a tremendously important contribution to the dialogue between Christian faith and the healing professions. Noting that "knowing what to do and how and when to do it characterizes the essence of spiritual discernment and differential diagnosis," John Chirban has focused this col-lection of articles around the critical issue of understanding in the therapeu-tic encounter. Drawing on the richness of the Orthodox Christian tradition, contributors identify rich resources to aid this process of therapeutic discernment. The result is a book that should be recognized for its value not only to Orthodox Christians but to all Christians with interest in under-standing the nature of personal formation, deformation and transformation. ... Read more

Product Description
Father Thomas Hopko draws on the wisdom of the Orthodox Christian Church and the Holy Scriptures to help us understand same-sex attraction, with both compassion and clarity. Combining theological and pastoral insights, this small gem will aid pastors, those who experience same-sex desires, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of our identity and our sexuality. This book is in reality a primer on how to overcome the passions through the traditional Christian ascetic struggle, which of course applies to everyone "... In a winsomely accessible manner, he draws on the treasures of Orthodoxy to invite all of us to move from disputation to reflection, and from there to the wholeness for which we are created by God.” Richard John Neuhaus, Editor-in-Chief of First Things "... The argument is closely reasoned and touches on many aspects of this issue that are often ignored in popular presentations...A provocative book that will surely help everyone who reads it!" Timothy George is dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and an executive editor of Christianity Today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good for anyone!
This book on patristic care for those who may be dealing with any sexual problems, it approaches not only homosexual attraction but general sexual deviance as defined by Christian teachings.The author Fr. Hopko approaches the topic with care, respect, and love for those who may fall into sexual problems.It is a must read for any pastor or church leader of any denomination!

Good news for relatonships of all types
Thomas Hopko's sensitive and inclusive look at relationships is an excellent opportunity for anyone to fine tune and explore the meaning of relationship in their lives. Highly recommended reading for anyone.

Offers fresh perspectives on this sensitive issue
Below is a review of Fr. Hopko's book that was unfortunately received by the publisher after the book had already gone to press, and was therefore not included with the final publication.Dr. Elizabeth Stuart is a Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Winchester.She is also a lesbian and a leading UK theologian specializing in Queer Theology.I believe the review speaks eloquently to the value of this book for those on both sides of this emotionally-charged issue.Her review is as follows:

"Although I profoundly disagree with the stance taken towards homosexuality in this book I found it a delight to read. It is a careful, compassionate and comprehensive discussion of contemporary same-sex attraction from the perspective of the Orthodox tradition. It is informed by gay and lesbian theology and other alternative perspectives. I would recommend it to all who study or who are personally involved in the issues around same-sex relationships in the Christian tradition, perhaps particularly to those not part of the Orthodox tradition, for the rich theology of that tradition frames the debate in very different terms to those of other denominations. This book holds out the possibility of a debate which need not fracture the Church nor create alarming levels of animosity between Christians. For this reason alone, it is worth reading and engaging with."

An informed study presenting the visionary perspective of the church and the religious ideals towards same-sex attraction
Christian Faith And Same-Sex Attraction by Thomas Hopko (Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminar) is an informed study presenting the visionary perspective of the church and the religious ideals towards same-sex attraction. Clearly defining theological and pastoral insights concerning the experience of same-sex-desires and acknowledgements, Christian Faith And Same-Sex Attraction analyses the nature of gender identity and sexuality through the perspective of Christian Orthodox theology and is very strongly recommended reading for members of the Orthodox Christian church seeking to understand the theological doctrines relative to the issues of same-sex attractions experienced by themselves and/or their friends.

Insightful but don't expect the un expected
The Author:Father Tom Hopko, one of America's leading Orthodox theologians, author of many books, professor emeritus at St. Vladimir's Seminary.

Writing style:Succinct, clear, to the point.The whole book is just 126 pages, about half of those being notes.

Topic:The relationship between Orthodox Christianity, love, and same-sex attraction.

You will expect the author to scripturally and traditionally explain why same-sex genital relations are incompatible with Christianity.He does a good job of this, citing not only the Bible and Patristics but many current authors who disagree.

Father Tom also does a superb job of differentiating for Enlish-only readers, that Love has four components, Agape (charity), Storge (affection), Philia (fraternal love), and Eros (sex).He points out that in our fallen world, that it will be inevitable that many of us will have sinful passions of every sort, including an interest in same-sex pornia.He clearly separates this manifestation of God's providential permission from God's Essential Love.

In so doing, he shows that platonic same-sex love- in the form of agape, philia, and storge,is quite normal but argues convincingly that same-sex genital attraction joins a pantheon of other sinful desires, from gluttony to theft, as something we may have urges towards and even natures towards, but that we must deal with, not succumb to.

He then spends that last third of his monograph suggesting ways to live a Christian life and be welcome in the church and to deal with not only same-sex eros but a host of serious vices.

Perhaps his two most telling quotes are relegated to the footnotes.He quotes Saint Anthony to point out that all asceticism and mortification is not good, and that it can be pointless at times.He also has a wonderful quote about Christian living from the late Father Alex Schmemann; "It's how you deal with what you've been dealt."

Many readers who are same-sex practitioners won't want to read that their eros is a cross to bear, not a divine love.On the more fundamentalist end of the spectrum, some might have expected more condemnation from Father Tom (because they don't understand the Orthodoxy hermenuetic of Love, perhaps?).

Yet, Father Tom does a passionate defense of civil law, the civil rights of those in same-sex unions, and passionate chastisement of those who are too judgemental.

All readers will have to admit that this work is logical, compassionate, well-organized and researched, and in synchrony with mainstream Orthodox theology.

This is not a ponderous tome; it is a fresh and modest monograph.Those interested in the topic should take time to read it.

... Read more

Product Description
Although there are over 200 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, 4 million of whom live in the United States, their history, beliefs, and practices are unfamiliar to most Americans. This book outlines the evolution of Orthodox Christian dogma, which emerged for the first time in 33 A.D., before shifting its focus to American Orthodoxy--a tradition that traces its origins back to the first Greek and Russian immigrants in the 1700s. The narrative follows the momentous events and notable individuals in the history of the Orthodox dioceses in the U.S., including Archbishop Iakovos' march for civil rights alongside Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Orthodox missionaries' active opposition to the mistreatment of native Inuit in Alaska, the quest for Orthodox unity in America, the massive influx of converts since the 1960s, and the often strained relationship between American Orthodox groups and the mother churches on the other side of the Atlantic. Erickson explains the huge impact Orthodox Christianity has had on the history of immigration, and how the religion has changed as a result of the American experience. Lively, engaging, and thoroughly researched, the book unveils an insightful portrait of an ancient faith in a new world.

Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of organized religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of America's diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Local Church History for Orthodox Christians
This is a great survey of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in America for Orthodox Christians. It lays out in a glossy format the wild and woolly tale of multiple missions to America: first with a Greek slave colony in Florida, then with a Russian commercial trading post to Alaskan natives, finally with Eastern European immigrants to the Great Lakes of America. The triumph of Eastern Orthodoxy is shown to be a providential mix of commerce and Christ-like love, of indigenous mission and ethnic parochialism, of revelations and revolutions. Despite the focus on the history of mixed motivations, it shows how faith and hope and love win out in the lives of real people seeking God in their local parish.

An excellent history and overview of Orthodox Christians in America
"Orthodox Christians in America," by John H. Erickson, is part of the "Religion in American Life" series published by Oxford University Press. What I appreciate about this series, as opposed to similar ones by other publishers, is that they have asked a uniquely qualified Orthodox Christian scholar to tell the story of his people. Other series have often been written "by committee," or by an outside observer, which cause them to lack the author's enthusiasm for his or her subject.

The Orthodox Christian faith has often been described as "the best kept secret in America." This text goes a long way to explain why that is the case, and also why it should not be the case.

The opening chapter, "An Ancient Faith in the New World," is perhaps the best summary of the history of the Orthodox faith (all 2,000 years) that I have ever read. The next chapter, "Entrepreneurs and Missionaries," provides an excellent introduction to the first Orthodox activity in the New World, namely in Alaska, and California.

The chapter that follows, "A Church of Immigrants," discusses the influx of immigrants that began in the 19th century, from Greece, Russia and Arab Christian communities. The succeeding chapter, "The Ethnic Churches," describes how a precarious Orthodox Christian unity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries gave way to ethnic jurisdictions with new ties to the Mother Churches, largely because of the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on the Russian Orthodox Church.

The final chapter, "The Quest for Unity," describes the development of various cooperative efforts of new agencies since the 1950s which give a glimpse of hope for a unified Orthodox body one day in America.

I've been a member of the Orthodox Church since 1999, the year this book was published, and I'm surprised that it's taken me this long to read it. I now think it should be essential reading for both converts like myself, and "cradle Orthodox," who would like a clearer understanding of how we got where we are today in North America. But be forewarned, this book covers, however briefly, the good, the bad and the ugly, of our history in the New World.

I also think this volume would be of interest to those investigating the Orthodox faith, or for those who are interested in the history of Christianity in North America. But I would not recommend this be the first book someone reads on Orthodoxy, which is covered more completely in "The Orthodox Church," by Timothy (Bishop Kallistos) Ware, and similar volumes.

Great intro to the history of Orthodoxy in America
Just finished Erickson's book and was impressed at how well he handled the subject in what was obviously intended for the general audience.Being a convert to Orthodoxy myself, I was curious how the book would present Orthodoxy to an "outside audience."

One must commend Erickson for not sweeping under the rug some of the difficulties Orthodoxy has experienced (and caused for itself) in America.That makes his pronouncement of its great achievements not seem self-congratulatory, but as honest assessments.

One thing I was glad to see highlighted was Orthodoxy's "missionary mind."Moreso than any other mission church in the Americas (or the entire world for that matter), Orthodoxy has been responsive to the indigenous culture and has intended for the leadership of the church to become indigenous and local as quickly as possible.They want to incorporate local culture (as far as is compatible with the Bible and the Church) as much as possible so the Church truly belongs to each culture.There's no reason to put a church in a "cultural straightjacket" and try to make one culture submit to another culture when the message is essential, not the language of the service or the sound of the music.Orthodox missionaries have made many societies literate (the Aleuts for example in this book) as well as others like Russians, Serbs, Bulgarians, etc.

One area I must disagree with the previous reviewer is his assessment that Orthodoxy is just as fractured as Protestantism.This simply isn't true.While different "brands" of Orthodoxy (and I use the word "brands" very loosely) may have disagreements with each other over certain things, it could be compared to brothers bickering.They might have some disagreements, but they are still one big family.As an Orthodox Christian, I can commune in any Orthodox Church, no matter if it is preceded by "Greek," "Russian," "Antiochian," "Serbian," "Romanian," etc.We still share one belief, one Faith, one Eucharist.Our disagreements are largely administrative and cultural, not theological.This is not true of Protestant churches that have massive doctrinal differences with each other.

Informative history of Orthodox Church in America
After reading Frank Schaeffer's book, "Dancing Alone--The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion," in which he makes a forceful case stating that the Orthodox Church is THE true Christian church, I wanted to learn more about the Orthodox Church.My main question was, if the Orthodox Church is THE true church, then why is it virtually invisible?Schaeffer also forcefully spoke of the unity expected of Christendom, since it is the one body of Christ, and pointed to the way the Orthodox Church traces its roots to the Apostles, therefore "proving" its legitimacy.But I wondered, how unified is the Orthodox Church?It seems that Orthodox Church names are always preceded by "Greek" or "Russian" or some other ethnic marker.

I found the answers to both questions in this book.The first chapter gives a brief and easy-to-follow history of the Orthodox Church, from the early Christian era, beginning more specifically with the councils in the first four centuries with decisions that first caused the division between East and West.It carries the reader all the way through the 20th century from there, and follows with some characteristics of Orthodoxy.

The second chapter was most interesting, as it told the story of missionaries from Russia to Alaska back in the days when Russia owned Alaska.I was very impressed with the way the missionaries were culturally sensitive and encouraged the natives to become leaders in the churches.When the USA bought Alaska, though, the story becomes very sad.

Much of the rest of the book describes how Orthodoxy grew in America--mainly through various immigrant groups coming to the USA and wanting some place to practice their familiar life--language, religion, and social customs.This is the primary reason why Orthodox churches tend to be preceded by some ethnic moniker.

Schaffer admits in his book "Dancing Alone" that this history of the development of the Orthodox church in America has caused too many of the churches to be more like ethnic social centers than centers of the Christian faith.But he still speaks as if the Orthodox Church were basically unified.

This book by Erickson, which simply covers the history of the development of the Orthodox Church in America, with no axe to grind like Schaeffer has, made it clear to me that the Orthodox Church is just as fractured as the Protestant churches.Schaeffer time after time criticizes the Protestant churches for having their own little kingdoms, so to speak, but the so-called unified Orthodox Church suffers the same problem.But in a way it's worse: Protestant divisions are caused by differences in Biblical interpretations and doctrines.It seems that most Orthodox divisions in America have been caused by political and ethnic divisions.For example, when the Soviets took over Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church in America split into the factions of those who supported the church under the Soviets and those who said it could not be trusted.A similar division developed in the Greek Orthodox Church in the USA in relation to a political leader in Greece.Story after story like this reported by Erickson made it clear to me that the Orthodox Church in America is anything but unified.

By the way, that issue is addressed in the final chapter, as Erickson describes all the attempts made to unify the Orthodox Church in America, and how much progress still remains...largely because of the Orthodox Church in Europe and Asia not being able to agree to how to organize the Orthodox churches in America.

This book was interesting and informative, and I would recommend it as a way to familiarize yourself with a section of Christianity found in America that few people know about. ... Read more

Product Description
There is enormous tension between entering fully into the Church Year and the pressures of society. We sometimes find ourselves walking a tight rope between what we think is the ideal of a holy life and the demands of our post-modern world.

The beauty of the Church seasons is that they teach us how to balance our life. The Christian life is a whole life, an expansive life, a life in Christ, who gives Himself for the life of the world.

This collection is author Donna Farley’s own view from the tightrope. These short yet thoughtful reflections, written in an insightful and sometimes humorous style, will help weave together the great feasts into the fabric of our lives. ... Read more

Product Description

Christian faith in Jesus Christ as both divine and human was formulated as doctrine by the ecumenical councils of the Church in the fourth and fifth centuries.That doctrine was given liturgical expression in the feasts of Christmas and other festivals celebrating events in the life of Christ and Mary.These honor the Christian belief that, in Jesus, the Son of God became human so that human beings might share in the life of God.

This book presents selected Orthodox liturgical texts for these feasts of the incarnation.Freshly translated into modern English, each day&#39s material is introduced by a short account of its thematic sources, and accompanied by a brief spiritual and theological commentary.An opening section gives a concise account of the development of the liturgical calendar and the origins of these feasts in the Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary introduces Western Christians to the doctrinal richness of Orthodox liturgical celebrations of the Word become flesh.

Hugh Wybrew is an Anglican priest who has studied Orthodoxy for many years.He is Vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Oxford.He was previously Dean of St George&#39s Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem, where he was in close contact with Eastern churches. ... Read more

Product Description

Reconciling queerness with religion has always been an enormous challenge. When the religion is Orthodox Judaism, the task is even more daunting. This anthology takes on that challenge by giving voice to genderqueer Jewish women who were once silenced—and effectively rendered invisible—by their faith. Keep Your Wives Away from Them tells the story of those who have come out, who are still closeted, living double lives, or struggling to maintain an integrated "single life" in relationship to traditional Judaism—personal stories that are both enlightening and edifying. While a number of films and books have explored the lives of queer people in Orthodox and observant Judaism, only this one explores in depth what happens after the struggle, when the real work of building integrated lives begins. The candor of these insightful stories in Keep Your Wives Away from Them makes the book appealing to a general audience and students of women’s, gender, and LGBTQ studies, as well as for anyone struggling personally with the same issue. Contributors include musician and writer Temim Fruchter, Professor Joy Ladin, writer Leah Lax, nurse Tamar Prager, and the pseudonymous Ex-Yeshiva Girl.

Keep Your Wives Away from Them official website: http://www.keepyourwivesawayfromthem.com/

Customer Reviews (2)

Unexpected Inspiration
"Keep Your Wives From Away From Them" presents the stories of an exceedingly narrow demographic: "LGBT" observant Jewish women. Yet the authors poignantly and articulately sound universal themes about the challenges of being "different" in a world that fundamentally rejects such "differentness." To compound matters, most of the authors made the discovery of their differentness in their formative years. Compound again, by ensconcing them in a hermetic community that rejects such differentness as a violation of divine law.

How does one come to terms with family and community steeped in religious traditions that fundamentally reject such fundamental differentness, and value traditional marriage and having children as a central tenet of religious and community life? How does one live from day-to-day when even looking in the mirror is an existential struggle?

The group of contributors to "Keep Your Wives From Away From Them" lead you through their individual voyages of self-discovery, and the fears, terrors, joys and ultimate triumphs of coming to terms with family, community, and themselves in the struggle to live their lives in accordance with their true identities. For all, it is hard. For some, the journey is not complete. For some, there is much scar tissue. Others have been fortunate to reconcile with family and self, and even to an extent, the communities that rejected them. But what truly inspires is how the loss of community, family and self-identity beget the birth of new communities, corageously wrought by these pioneers out of the very pain and suffering they experienced. For me, as a "straight" person, reading about how the contributors overcame their fears, and the antagonism, prejudice and rejection of their peers and families, to build a community, and sub-communities, based on love and acceptance, was most inspiring of all. And the ultimate irony is that the very spirituality that is supposed to underlay the religious community that rejected their life choices is the underpinning for their new communities. Perhaps most inspiring of all is the refusal of these women to reject the very God they were told had rejected them, choosing instead to relate to that God, spiritually and intellectually, in a way that enables them to be who they are and still retain the traditional values that are still so central to them. In doing so, they have added in a meaningful way to the dialogue of religious law and theology.

In these struggles and triumphs there are untold numbers of universal lessons to be learned about self, courage, the overcoming of prejudice, and the acceptance of others. About how we might view the tenets of religion - reconcile - and have a relationship with the ultimate power on our own terms, as long as we retain our spirituality. Inspirational, even for an avowed atheist (like me). You can read many great novels about these subjects. You can also read "Keep Your Wives From Away From Them." And pick up a bissel Yiddish along the way. Highly, highly recommended.

Gay Jewish Women
Kabakov, Miryam. "Keep Your Wives Away from Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires", North Atlantic Books, 2010.

Gay Jewish Women

Amos Lassen

Orthodox Judaism and women are strange bedfellows. The female has little place in orthodoxy and reconciling sexuality with orthodoxy has always been something very difficult to do. Kabakov's new book takes a look at the challenges that face GLBT women in the Jewish religion who were once not allowed to say a word and who were invisible because of the rules and practices of Orthodox Judaism.
This, I believe, is the first book to deal with what happens to these women after they have struggled with their religion and then tried to find a place within it. We see here that it is not impossible to keep to Jewish tradition and maintaining gender identity at the same time. Those of us who are homosexuals and Jewish find ourselves wrestling with Judaism when the religion comes up against our sexual identities and our lives as those who are able to and want to share love. As modern citizens, we want a place in our religion and feel that Mosaic law provides such a place. However, it is the very religion that we love that tends to exclude us and for women this is so much more pronounced than for men.
This is a very, very important book which is sensitive, challenging, uplifting and very frustrating and it is a book like this that can prevent a great deal of heartache and it can even save lives. I am sure that some Orthodox rabbis will attempt to prevent it from being read.
The book is composed of some 16 essays, an introduction and foreword by Judith Plaskow as well as a glossary, a list of resources and information on thevarious contributors who touch on all aspects of the issue. Even as a man, I found each essay to challenge me about the nature of my own religious life and the aspects of gender of today's world. Having being raised as an Orthodox Jew, I found myself hurting as I read. The women who contribute to this anthologycarry the scars they have received yet as painful as it is to read what is written here, when I closed the covers, I felt a sense of triumph and respected greatly the power of these women.
This is not just a book for Orthodox Jews but for anyone who cares about religion, spirituality and sexuality.
... Read more

Product Description
Vol. 2 Acts, Epistles and Revelation may be purchased separately. See also, Vol. 1 Holy Gospels of the Orthodox New Testament, with patristic commentary, ISBN 9780944359174. 6 x 9 -inches, lavishly illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent!
What makes this a great resource for Christians is that the text itself matches the quotes from the Fathers. Especially the Greek Fathers. The quotes from the Fathers guides the reader in seeing how the ancient Church believed and what they were taught from the Apostles themselves. Some things that the Fathers say may be a shock to Protestants and even Roman Catholics because the Western Church has departed from the Ancient Church for so long that it may seem foreign. However, that's what makes this publication so great, it reveals the faith once handed down to the Church by the Apostles.

Mr Peabody
I am not Eastern Orthodox and am not biased for or against this translation.Having said that, it is, in my opinion, one of the best translations of the New Testament available.The only other translation that I know of that is comparable is the International Standard Version (ISV).The Eastern Orthodox New Testament uses King James style English, but I find it easy to understand and the Greek is translated much more accurately.The ISV uses modern English and is a similar high accuracy translation.Using both of these translations for New Testament study is the way to go.

Let me also advise using the Septuagint for Old Testament study.This is the Old Testament translation that is quoted in the New Testament.Most Bibles use the Masoretic version of the Old Testament.When you compare the quotes in the New Testament with the corresponding verses in the Old Testament, you have to wonder what they are talking about.That is because they were quoting the Septuagint.

Use the Septuagint, The Orthodox New Testament, and the ISV New Testament and you can hardly go wrong.

Useful Adjunct for Bible Study
The attention to verb tenses and the proper translation of Greek words is appreciated and makes this Bible useful for a deeper meaning of the text.It has been noted by some that if you read the original Greek with the verb tenses in mind the New Testament is a much more active or "energetic" text than most English translations indicate.I also found the patristic notes very useful, though I agree that they would have been easier to use as footnotes.

With archaic English and some unusual verb constructions, I am not sure that I would recommend this version as a primary Bible text.However, it is always helpful to have more than one translation for comparison and this version definitely deserves to be one of the texts in regular use by Orthodox.

One note on verb tenses: As I do not read Koine Greek myself, it is difficult for me to determine exactly how well these are translated.I have noted, however, that at least one other Protestant translation that claims to do this (the Amplified Bible) sometimes does not agree with the ONT.And there does not appear to be a bias one way or the other: sometimes the ONT has a more active translation and sometimes the Amplified Bible does.

The reviewer who says this is no more than the Authorized Version with minor changes is not quite on the mark. Besides the frequent difference in verb tenses, Greek words are generally translated more accurately.For instance, the well-known fact that the KJV translates both Gehenna and Hades as "Hell" is corrected.And perhaps the patristic notes are merely copied from the Nicene Fathers series, but as most of us don't want to carry around the entire 38 volumes (well, 30 if you throw out the Augustine stuff) of the Nicene and Ante-Nicene Fathers, having some relevant passages bound into the same volume as the Bible text is useful.Combined with some other resources (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Theophylact's commentary, etc), the ONT helps to make Orthodox Bible study a true joy.

A mixed blessing
In many ways I think that this is an excellent study Bible - it is not, however, one I would recommend to those who are simply looking for a Bible to read casually.

The text from which this Bible is translated is the 1912 text authorized by the Ecumenical Patriarch.Similar in many ways to Textus Receptus, there are minor differences.The authors have deliberately chosen to use archaic English, in part because of the usage of "thee" and "thou" as the second person singular and "ye" and "you" for the second person plural -- this is an advantage for those who want to be able to distinguish which "you" the writer is referring to, but makes it somewhat awkward for modern readers.The translators are to be commended for accurately translating the Greek words in the same tenses used by the authors, but this does sacrifice some of the beauty which is found in the Authorized - King James versions.

The notes utilizing quotations from the Early Church Fathers is interesting and unique, but I wish that they had been included on the bottom of the page to which the referance appears instead of at the back of that particular book of the Bible.Also, this book is aimed at those already familiar with the teachings of the Orthodox Church -- it would be nice to have some commentary reflecting the teachings and understanding of particular texts by the Church in order to serve as a better evangelistic and catechetical work.

This Bible is attractively bound, and the type is large enough for these old eyes of mine to read.

THE Orthodox New Testament!
This is the book I have been looking for!While I appreciate the efforts of the editors of the Orthodox Study Bible, I found this 2-volume New Testament to be MUCH more to my liking.First and foremost, it features a new English translation made by Orthodox scholars primarily from an Orthodox text approved by the Patriarchate of Constantinople.Secondly, it features the direct, in-depth references to the Holy Fathers that are so often lacking in the OSB.The decision to print icons with the text was an excellent one, as the reader can readily relate to both the written and visual Word of God thereby.Clearly the editors of this text went to very great lengths to prepare and present a truly ORTHODOX Bible, and for this they are to be greatly commended.A "must-have" for every English-speaking Orthodox Christian, and extremely valuable as well for those non-Orthodox seeking to learn what the Holy Fathers (who were Orthodox, after all!) have to say about the Holy Scriptures! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An eye-opener as well as an excellent read
Derrick Lonsdale recounts his journey through the world of medicine from his first job as a doctor in the UK to his experiences in treating children in US hospitals.

He discusses some of his cases and the use of vitamins given in therapeutic doses to obtain extraordinary results, even when treating genetic conditions. He makes a very good case for considering new ways of dealing with illness and explains why orthodox medicine often doesn't work.

My own experiences over the years have borne out his theories, when I finally obtained results with complementary medicine after years of going from one doctor to another and finding no answers while watching my general health decline.

This a very good book for anyone who is considering trying alternatives for treating chronic health problems.

One of the best books available on nutrition or medicine.
There are only a few books I've ever read that I thought were important enough to buy a few more copies to give away.This is one of them.It's one of the best books I've ever read on the subjects ofnutrition or medicine.Dr. Lonsdale's story of how he became completely disenchanted with the current "modern" model of Western medicine, which treats symptoms and never really gets at the root causes of illness, is an eye-opener.Through the story of his own medical training and practice, and through many clinical examples of his patients over the years, Dr. Lonsdale demonstrates how important nutrition is to your health.Everyone knows that "you are what you eat," but most people haven't really taken it to heart and made an effort to change their typical American diet.For these people, reading Dr. Lonsdale's clear, understandable explanations of how your body and brain utilize vitamins, minerals, and enzymes at the molecular level, and the devastating effects of a deficiency of any particular nutrient, will be a wake-up call.Many people, particularly American-trained doctors, will find some of Dr. Lonsdale's ideas (e.g., vitamin therapy) too extreme, but if reading this book doesn't at least open their mind a little to alternative ways of viewing the whole concept of "illness," then nothing will ... Read more

Product Description
Let Us Attend! A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy is a guide to understanding the Divine Liturgy, and a vibrant reminder of the centrality of the Eucharist in living the Christian life. Every Sunday morning we are literally taken on a journey into the Kingdom of God. Fr. Lawrence guides everyday believers in a devotional and historical walk through the Orthodox liturgy. Examining the Liturgy section by section, he proves both historical explanations of how the liturgy evolved, and devotional insights aimed at helping us pray the liturgy in the way the Fathers intended. In better understanding the depth of the Liturgy's meaning and purpose, we can pray it properly.If you would like a deeper understanding of your Sunday morning experience so that you can draw closer to God, then this book is for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An Excellent Reference Guide
My friends and I used this book to start off a book group for young adult Orthodox, and it works well in that environment. At no point does this volume go terribly in depth however; think of it as being a rather concise overview of each part of the liturgy with a little historical information. This is good for catechumens and new converts as well as Orthodox who don't know a lot about the historical practices of the faith, but those who are well-versed in these things may find it a little lacking.

Let us attend
This is a "must have" for the convert to Orthodox Christianity, or the Orthodox faithful.Gives a full review of the order of the Divine Liturgy and the meanings of the rich symbolism.Get this book!

A useful but flawed introduction to the meaning of the liturgy
LET US ATTEND: A Journey through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy is a series of meditations by Fr Lawrence Farley on the meaning of the Sunday liturgy, meant to orientate Orthodox Christians in its structure and better appreciate its rich symbolism. It does work fairly well in raising the mind of the believer to better appreciate the presence of Christ and the role of laymen and clergy alike in Orthodox worship, instead of some arcane and impenetrable weekly obligation.

I cannot be too positive about the book, however. The typesetting of this book is quite amateur, with a design that is difficult in the eyes and even, on at least one page, cuts off the text in mid-sentence. Some editing would remove passages that go on for more than is necessarily. The combination of serious explanation of the liturgy and folksy storytelling is one I found jarring.

And this is essentially a book of historic trivia, not an academic treatise. Therefore, anyone wanting a rigourous history of the development of the liturgy should look to Hugh Wybrew's The Orthodox Liturgy, which is not perfect but certainly beats most options.

Nonetheless, for the individual Orthodox Christian looking to get more out of the liturgy, Fr Lawrence's book may be worth picking up.

Discover the Rich Heritage of the Ancient Church Liturgy
The Holy Orthodox Church is rich in history and tradition.We understand well, and cherish our own family traditions.We hope that our children will pass them on to future generations.This book is a passing on, not just of the Divine Liturgy itself, but of the history and reasons behind each phrase, each movement therein.

Awakening Journey
After being Rroman Catholic for 60 years I realized I never completely understood how the Liturgury can bring you into the presense of the Trinity in this life.This takes you step by step through the Mass.It explains each detail and you will experience Creation, the Passion of Christ, the Resurrection, the Blessed Mother and her role in Salvation, the forgiveness of sins but most of all the eternal love of Christ.He is truly in our midst and and shall always be. ... Read more

Product Description
Few realize how ecological the vision of Orthodox Christianity really is. Yet it portrays creation as God's epiphany and the human person as a connecting link between creation and Creator. Christian love is manifest through the right use of material things. To communicate this vision, Elizabeth Theokritoff draws on ancient sources, the Fathers, the liturgy, and saints' lives, on modern commentators, and on practical examples from our lived experience. The thematic arrangement makes it a convenient resource for teachers. It is compelling reading, and demonstrates that environmental concerns have deep roots in Christian tradition. ... Read more

Product Description

Morning and evening prayers, communion prayers, selected troparia and prayers for various occasions.

Customer Reviews (6)

The Book of Common Prayer for the Eastern Orthodox
Being a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity from Anglican church, I missed the daily routine of the reading the daily offices, especially morning prayer.

A Manual of Eastern Orthodox Prayers with its beautiful language has filled that void in my daily devotions.It is similar to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer in that it has a service of morning and evening prayer to include a pause in the prayer service for the reading of scripture.Further like the 1928 Prayer Book there are prayers for other occassions along with a section of anthems and hymns for the greater feasts and saints' days.

As a new convert to Orthodox Christianity I have found the calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church very helpful in learning about the saints and feast days.Coming from the Anglican and earlier Southern Baptist background, I did not realize that there were any other saints beyond those of the Western Church.The suffering and example of the saints of the Eastern Church offer great examples of how to live and moreover the suffering the Eastern Church has suffered from its very beginnings all the way through the 20th century.

Protestants and most Anglicans do not practice confession.There is a section of this prayer manual on the order of confession.We in the Western Church may want to rethink confession.For confession of sin is part of repentance.Something we tend not to discuss in the West.

A daily routine of correct prayer is important in the development of one's spiritual life.This prayer manual guides one correctly on a path of prayer needed to sustain one in a temporal world so full of sin.

I realize that I need a copy of this to carry in my briefcase, so that during my lunch break, I can reconnect with what is important.

My wholehearted recommendation to recent converts and to all Orthodox Christians living in America.

I hold this treasure close to heart.
This little book of prayers has changed my life. Coming from a non-liturgical background, this book introduced a foriegn structure into my normally spontenous prayer life. Over the years, it has opened a new world of spiritual formation in my life. Along the way, these simple prayers have stirred me to a greater vision of the awesomeness of our Creator. "Holy God. Holy and Mighty. Holy Immortal. Have mercy on us."

A good introduction to Orthodox prayer, esp for inquirers
As other reviewers have noted, this book has many prayers used by Orthodox Christians in personal devotions. It also has some materials used for public worship, such as scripture lessons for the Twelve Great Feasts and for the Sundays of Great Lent, as well as certain Sunday and weekday troparia (theme-hymns).

Originally published in 1945, its language does predate today's interest in "Modern English for worship". Also, having first been published by an Anglican-Orthodox fellowship, rather than by an Orthodox jurisdiction, the book itself might not necessarily be used by large numbers of Orthodox Christians in English-speaking lands (they might use other collections of these prayers prepared by their own Churches).

However, those other collections might be less accessible to people outside Orthodoxy than this one, which can be ordered so easily through Amazon. It can therefore introduce inquirers to a portion of the rich treasury of Orthodox prayer.

The Light from the East
This small purple book (originally published in Great Britain in 1945) contains prayers of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, prayers from which any reader can derive joy and benefit and fitting words to praise the one God in three Persons, God who is Light and Life, Transcendence and Immanence, Majesty and Mercy.

There are morning prayers, evening prayers, prayers for different occasions, anthems and hymns for saints and holy feasts (troparia and kontakia), the Orders of Confession according to Greek and Slavonic uses (in English), prayers for use before and after the reception of Holy Communion, and a calendar of the saints who are honoured in holy Orthodoxy.

The "O Heavenly King" can be found on page 2, prayers to the Theotokos on page 8, a prayer of St John Chrysostom "according to the hours of the day and night" on pp. 14-15 (this prayer, or series of short prayers, quite lovely); Metropolian Philaret's prayer where he dares not ask for either cross or consolation, on p. 24; a lengthy and lovely prayer in verse by St Symeon the New Theologian, beginning on page 71, and a penitential pre-Communion prayer of surpassing beauty ("Thou hast smitten me, O Christ, with yearning; and with thy divine love hast thou changed me") on page 77.

The language is reminiscent of earlier days in the life of the Church (thees and thous), and when psalms are quoted, it is the 1662 Book of Common Prayer version that is used.This comparatively young, Western, Roman Catholic reader values this small purple book, A Manual of Eastern Orthodox Prayers, for its loveliness of language, its acute awareness of -- and profound humility before -- Divine Beauty, and its recognition (often absent in the language of modern Western Christianity) that God is Majesty, and that as we approach him, a feeling of awe is not malapert.

Best Compilation of Orthodox Prayers
This little book includes most of the prayers that Orthodox laity would be apt to use in their daily life, along with the liturgy and preparation for confession.

Clergy of other denominations interested in Orthodox ritual will probably find this book of use as well, since it points out differences in Russian and Greek usage and also gives the most complete church calendar I have ever seen in English. Anglican readers will find a perhaps unpleasant surprise - Lancelot Andrewes' "preces privatae", rather than being his own inventions, are in fact prayers from the Orthodox preparation for communion, as you will find if you compare them with the versions in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Book of Genesis is foundational reading for the Christian, concerned as it is with the origins of our race and the beginnings of salvation history. Its opening pages provide the theological suppositions of the entire biblical story: Creation, especially that of man in God's image, the structure of time, man's relationship to God, the entrance of sin into the world, and God s selection of a specific line of revelation that will give structure to history. Early Christian writers such as St. Paul saw no dichotomy between the writings of the Law, of which Genesis is the beginning, and the Gospel. Rather, the Gospel is the key to understanding the Law. In Creation and the Patriarchal Histories, Fr. Reardon shows clearly how the proper understanding of Creation and the Fall informs all of Christian doctrine, and how the narratives of the patriarchs from Noah to Joseph pave the way for the salvation history that continues in Exodus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

deep, reflective consideration
Patrick Henry Reardon addresses each chapter of Genesis with deep reflection.Since Orthodox tradition sees everything in scripture reflecting something of Jesus and Christology (that is what I understood from his introduction, anyway), deep, soul-changing thoughts engage us as we read this book.He doesn't embroil himself, for example, in the debate between a literal vs. evolutionary understanding of creation.Instead, he looks at what nuances are told which reveal something more about Christ or man or the relationship between God and man.I'm not Orthodox, yet I am so enriched by reading this perspective.I'd recommend this and probably others by Reardon for those wishing to stretch themselves in new ways.Biblically sound, yet offering fresh insights -- as old as Wisdom itself.

Wisdom and True Faith Abounds in this Short Work
I had the great pleasure of hearing Patrick Henry Reardon give a presentation to lay-Christians on prayer, the Psalms, and the importance of a Christocentric devotional life.After listening to his presentation, the depth of his wisdom, and his strong devotion to a life of Scripture and prayer, I decided to purchase his reflections on the book of Genesis.

I am not disappointed.In this brief devotional book, Reardon goes through the book of Genesis, chapter-by-chapter, and provides the reader with deep devotional thoughts on each.At times, he provides thoughts on the chapter as a whole and its place within the Genesis narrative.At other times, Reardon limits himself to only a small section of the chapter.At other times still, Reardon's focus is on later persons' use of the material (e.g. the Israelites at the time of the Exodus or the Church).

Throughout, Reardon is highly engaging.He treats each Biblical individual as an old friend with whom he is intimately acquainted, and not as a cold, distant person with an unpronounceable name about whom we know nothing.The narrative of the text is artistic and contemplative as Reardon talks up to the reader, treating him as a beloved friend.Also (and most importantly), throughout this work, Reardon keeps Christ at the center of his thought; from reflections on the Fall to the Flood to the many genealogies to Melchizedek to Judah to Joseph, Christ is always at the first consideration.

It should be noted that the text of Genesis is not reprinted in this book.While there may be an annoyance for the reader in having to use two books at once, this slight inconvenience is well-worth the effort.

This book is recommended most highly; please journey through Genesis with this wise and faithful guide.

An excellent overview of the first book of the Bible
Excellent overview with specific points that bring unity to the whole of the law and the prophets.Short book, but much to meditate on.Pithy.
I would recommend this book to non-Orthodox as well as Orthodox.The writing is easy to understand and would be an excellent compliment to personal bible study, as well as providing fresh words for any evangelical pastor's next sermon on Genesis.

A must for anyone who wants to truly understand the early Old Testament
The Book of Genesis is a story all Christians know. "Creation and Patriarchal Histories" is a closer examination of the first book of the Holy Bible, and how it reflects onto Christianity as a whole. Drawing upon the scholarship of Orthodox Christian leaders to discuss and educate readers on the history of creation, "Creation and the Patriarchal Histories" breaks down the story into segments. Covering the earliest creation, and the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and other legendary biblical patriarchs, "Creation and the Patriarchal Histories" is a must for anyone who wants to truly understand the early Old Testament. ... Read more