Book Description
This Overview of the Canon Law of the Orthodox Catholic Church is a précis of the lessons on Canon Law taught to undergraduate students of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 1968; and, after the division of the School into two Departments in 1982, to the undergraduates of the Department of Pastoral and Social Theology. With the passage of time, the content of the lessons underwent adaptations and improvements because of what had in the meantime become His Eminence Panteleimon's established ecclesiological and canonical views on certain matters of Canon Law. These changes were small but nonetheless of the essence. The present edition does not constitute a complete system of Canon Law, but, as its title declares, is an overview thereof. ... Read more

Product Description
A reflection on Truth-as identified with Jesus Christ and in response to relativism-opens a discussion on how Orthodox Christians read tradition and discern dogma.
"...addresses important questions in a powerful way, with the courage to engage in the real world."
- Rev. Dr John McGuckin ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Readable, with solid content
As a Protestant (Lutheran) who has been reading for several years and trying to get a handle on an Orthodox way of "doing theology," I must say that I very much appreciate this book. It was very readable and reader-friendly -- the author is a professor of dogmatic theology at an Orthodox seminary, and he came across as a teacher who clearly both knows his subject matter and how to communicate it.

The chapter on Historicity and Story was worth the price of the book, and set the tone for a good discussion in the Bible's place in theology (over against the "God says it; I believe it; that settles it" line of argumentation sometimes found elsewhere). I also found the chapter on relativism a very insightful a critique on the (post)modern world.

The "How do you read?" chapter clearly shows the broad foundation of truth-bearing witnesses in Orthodoxy and opens the door for a full discussion of the place of liturgical and sacramental tradition in the discussion of Truth.

One of my reasons for doing so much reading in Orthodoxy over past few years is to explore hermeneutic tradition of the Fathers and Councils of the catholic church over against my own Reformation heritage. This book was a clear, easy-to-read, and informative overview of that tradition and how it plays our in the modern Orthodox church.

(I also recommend some of the essays in Scripture in Tradition: The Bible and Its Interpretation in the Orthodox Church by John Breck as further reading in the subject.)

Orthodox Teaching from an Inviting Perspective
Sweeter than Honey is a precise and clearly written treatise on the Orthodox (Eastern Christianity) way of thinking about "dogma and truth."The expected audience is deemed by the author to be laypeople, students, and scholars of the Orthodox faith, however, it is written in a way that is inviting to Christians of all faiths.Dr. Bouteneff presents a nuanced argument for the legitimacy of dogma as truth over and against the postliberal/postmodern view that truth is necessarily and always contextual.While stating unequivocally that "the central moment of the history of the world [is] the passion and cross of Christ," Dr. Bouteneff also strongly affirms that "we are supposed to use our minds, to think, to reason about both divine and created things."Sweeter than Honey directly addresses several issues that historically have been problematic (divisive) within Christendom, and explains how Orthodox dogma treats these matters.Some of these issues, to name a few, are; how is the Incarnation possible, how is the Trinity possible ("three who are divine, yet we worship one God"), "what is truth?" "which texts and doctrines are true?" "who decides what is truly in unison with the Church?" and "why do theology [when] it seems to divide Christians more than unite them?"In short, Dr. Bouteneff answers the last question by stating that "We believe our theology [read: dogma] to be the truth, [and] that salvation is bound up with knowledge of the truth."He explains that although Jesus is esteemed as the "Universal Truth," there are other "types of truths" which make no claims of being "exhaustive."Sweeter than Honey effectively appropriates Scripture, reason, mystery, history, pneumatology, and icons to render dogma as a legitimate signifier of truth and presents the Orthodox faith as an intelligible interpretation of Christianity that goes far in bringing together faith and reason.One specific drawback worthy of note is that the book does not contain an index.Nevertheless, I highly recommend Sweeter than Honey to all who are interested in how Christianity, dogma, and truth are related.

Not just answers - also the important questions
Calling a book popular can signal many things, some good and some not.What the label "popular" often means is that the book provides more answers than questions.To make a complicated subject accessible to lay people, the popular book often papers over the vexing questions that experts debate, and simply provides easily digestible answers to those complex questions.Bouteneff's book is different.It is indeed popular in the sense that it is accessible to the non-specialist.B. avoids needless jargon, and explains well whatever technical terms he uses.Likewise, the book's warm, dialogical style is regularly punctuated by questions like "Now, what does this mean?" which create the sense of informal conversation.So, it is indeed accessible.But it is not popular in the sense described above.It is the antithesis of those popular books that provide easy answers and ignore difficult questions. The central point of the book is, in fact, to confront precisely those difficult questions that accompany professing Orthodox faith in contemporary America.How can we assert that Jesus Christ is the only Truth, and the absolute Truth, in an environment that relativizes all truths to personal preferences, so that I have my truth and you have your truth, and we are both right?In addressing these core questions, B. rejects both the knee-jerk relativism of contemporary culture, as well as the triumphalism of an unthinking absolutism.In the end, the reader is given an expression of traditional Orthodox teaching on how Jesus Christ is the Truth, and the only Truth, and how the Orthodox Church is the bearer of that Truth, but always with an eye to responding to the particular questions of the present age.There are discussions of creeds, of Scripture, of saints, of church hierarchs and of icons, but all of them geared toward the core question of how the Orthodox Church defends the Truth of the Gospel.And, because of B.'s approach, the treatment of standard topics seems new, especially in the sections on Scripture and Church leadership.There is an urgent need for just such a book, especially one aimed at the non-professional.For these are not questions only asked by students and professors of theology. These are questions that confront people each time they walk out their front doors or, more and more, pass through the virtual front doors of their computers.This is an excellent introduction to the Orthodox faith, written in a unique fashion, and with a view toward contemporary debates.It can be read with profit by beginners and more advanced readers alike. ... Read more

Book Description

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.In so doing, it helps to fill the need for modern Orthodox catechism.Yet this book is not a mere manual, a dry-as-dust repository of information.Throughout the book, Bishop Kallistos Ware shows the meaning of Orthodox doctrine for the life of the individual Christian.Doctrinal issues are seen not as abstract propositions for theological debate but as affected the whole of life.

A wealth of texts drawn from theologians and spiritual writers of all ages accompanies Bishop Kallistos' presentation. They too reveal Orthodoxy not just as a system of beliefs, practices and customs but indeed as the Way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Great companion to The Orthodox Church...
New to the Faith like me?Interested in the Orthodox Faith?Check this book out, along with The Orthodox Church also by Bishop Kallistos.This will clarify even more about the Orthodox Faith than his previous book already accomplished.A must-have for your Orthodoxy library collection.

Get your highlighters out!
I couldn't pull myself away from it!I think I read every chapter at least twice!I got my highlighters out and I was sold by the end of the book!Call it faith, call it inspiration, I'm just calling it the way.Born & raised Roman Catholic, I can't put my finger on what moved me to orthodoxy, but I know that this book had something to do with it.

If anyone out there's looking for "good books on orthodoxy" I might want to recommend "Beginning to Pray", "Mary the Birthgiver of God", "The Meaning of Suffering", "God's Revelation to the Human Heart", and "Turning the Heart to God".But don't take my word for it, do ask an orthodox clergy member too!

Christ is risen!

Great for seekers!
This is one of Bishop Ware's best! It is a great intro to Orthodox Theology. However, do not expect to find much history or ritual details. It is mainly an introduction, and touches on the fundamentals. Being an ex-Vineyard Church youth pastor, I especially liked his spiritual approach to theology, which seems to have been lost by most western theologians. I found myself in tears and full of the holy spirit reading this book!It's a must read!-Yes, I am an Orthodox convert.

... should be called "The Christian Way"
While I am an Evangelical Protestant, I have enjoyed this book tremendously.Often, when reading various passages, I felt that this book should be re-named "The Christian Way" because of the orthodox truths presented.REMEMBER: "orthodox" is an adjective "Orthodox" is an important branch of Christianity (and one of the most ancient one).

While this book is not a systematic theology of the Orthodox Christian Faith, it does expound on a lot of the beliefs held in common by all Christians and by orthodox Christianity.The author discusses various ways of looking at God or understanding God:
1. God as Mystery
2. God as Trinity
3. God as Creator
4. God as Man
5. God as Spirit
6. God as Prayer
Epilogue: God as Eternity

Each chapter has descriptive sub-chapter titles, plenty of references, and ends with a compilation of sayings and words of wisdom.A complete and extensive bibliography, list of authors, and subjects reflect the depth of Bishop Kallistos Ware's writing.

For those of you who may be intimidated by the word "Orthodox" in the title, I would mention that the style of Kallistos Ware is non-polemical, but rather padagogical and inspirational.A great companion to this book would be the "Orthodox Church" by Timothy Ware (name before becoming bishop) or Daniel B. Clendenin two books on Easter Orthodoxy.

Not my cup of tea
I've heard the raves but I was just not impressed. It was radically different in tone and style than The OC by Ware. The non-Orthodox quotes get annoying fast and almost silly to the extent in which they are used. Also why did he feel he quote the Gospel of Thomas (I think that's what it was) and the Gospel of Truth (gnostic?). Odd.

I think a drawback for a conservative evangelical reading this book was the lack of scriptural support for the 'way' demonstrated. The book seemed to be more geared to 'liberals'.

The biggest problem with the book is that I found it not to be sincere. I don't know exactly what I mean by that, but I just feel like he was holding back. I dunno. ... Read more

Book Description
An explanation and appraisal of Orthodoxy compares its essential theological themes with doctrines of evangelical Protestantism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Good but not great
I picked up this book for cheap and had a free weekend so I figured I would give it a read.I think the author doesa good job of finding common ground and explaining some of the theology of the Orthodox church.Which in all fairness was his goal . . . But he sticks with the things that we can easily share common ground on and makes it look like the divisions are simply semantics.I thought it convenient that he left out all he other stuff that makes peoples heads spin.I mean when you get to the end of the book you are kinda thinking well why don't we all just hold hands and sing a chorus or two.Thats not even close to the reality of things I am afraid.

So while I wasn't so impressed it was an OK read.His perspective was interesting.And it provides a good book for me to give to my in-laws when trying to explain to them that I really haven't gone off the deep end by joining the Orthodox church"See mom . . we really are just the same . . . .just different decorations . . . " and that I am thankful for.it helps that it is written by a protestant.However if you want real church history and a real overview of the church and her theology I am going to have to concur with everyone else that "The Orthodox Church" by T.K. Wareis far and away a much better source.

Useful
I am very grateful for Clendenin for assembling his collection of essays by prominent Orthodox theologians and historians, since many are out of print in their original publications. See here for that useful collection: Eastern Orthodox Theology: A Contemporary Reader.

However, this book I found to be rather curious and misleading at the end. It is always tricky to critique someone else's religious tradition (although I attempt it all the time), and I am not sure that the author has been completely successful in representing the views of eastern Christianity with accuracy, which then leads to me to wonder which version of Orthodoxy he rejects.

He leaves aside discussions of the saints, Mary and the sacraments (mysteries) as the subject of discussion after one has already examined the nature of tradition, scripture, deification, icons and negative theology (Apophaticism). This makes some sense since they are the distinctive doctrines that most Protestants, especially Evangelicals, have very little exposure to via their Roman Catholic friends (or, more likely, based upon the wild Romaphobic stereotypes adrift in the evangelical subculture). On the whole he is presents a very sympathetic view of Orthodoxy, agreeing that a sense of wonder and mystery should accompany the more analytical, logical theological structure of his own tradition. On the whole I think he is fair.

My only questions would surround the following point. He mentions that the dividing difference between Orthodox and Evangelicals is ecclesiological, but, unless I missed it, he never goes into that point in the previous chapters, leaving me a little lost to the point. If it is so important, why was it overlooked? Perhaps he means that since Orthodox reject the branch theory of Church history (what I would see as "Bride of Frankenstein" ecclesiology, with everyone have a body part of the bride), Orthodox somehow deny the work of God in the lives of non-Orthodox Christians, Catholic or Protestant. But Orthodoxy does not teach that. It surprises me that he would make such a claim, especially since he was the editor of the above-mentioned collection of essays. I would assume he actually read the authors to make the editorial decisions involved. So while Orthodox indeed claim to be the only and true Bride of Christ, it does not follow that the Holy Spirit is limited to the boundaries of that Church. The Spirit blows where it will. Or, as Bishop Kallistos Ware has said, "We are bound by the sacraments. God is not bound by them."

Buy this book, but also take the time to read other works on the subject, including these helpful resources: Common Ground: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity for the American Christian, The Orthodox Way, How Are We Saved?: The Understanding of Salvation in the Orthodox Tradition, Discovering the Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy.

Regarding his statement that the quality of Muslim treatment toward Orthodox is "a matter of some debate" is more than off the wall. Please refer to The Dhimmi: Jews & Christians Under Islam.

My other review often are about ecumenical topics, so they also may be useful.

May all be one.

America's "fourth major religion" introduced
Orthodox Christianity is little known to mainstream Americans, be they Christian or otherwise.It seems an exotic import from Russia, Greece, and the Balkans, and as foreign to American Protestantism or even American Roman Catholicism as Tibetan Buddhism.Moreover, there's a great deal of skepticism and even outright rancor directed at Orthodoxy by many Protestants and Roman Catholics.The former see it as unbiblical (whatever that charge means) and the latter see it as a challenge.Finally, too many Orthodox in this country take such an exclusivistic position when it comes to salvation (only the Orthodox Church is the one true church) that they only encourage wariness or dislike by non-Orthodox.(Each of these positions is reflected, by the way, in earlier amazon.com reviews of this book.)

Daniel Clendenin's _Eastern Orthodox Christianity_ has the great merit of introducing the "fourth major religion" to Americans in a reader-friendly and remarkably accurate (for an outsider) way.Other introductions to Orthodoxy are just as good (e.g., Timothy Ware's _The Orthodox Church_), but they're written by insiders.Clendenin is an evangelical Protestant who spent some years teaching in Moscow and absorbing the doctrines and liturgy of Orthodoxy.He writes with a great deal of sensitivity and sympathy.

Clendenin begins with a short history of the Eastern Orthodox Church and its break with the Western Latin Church.Then he focuses on its doctrine, dealing chapter-by-chapter with its understanding of God, the importance of icons and incarnationism, pneumatology, and theological anthropology.He concludes with a couple of chapters that spell out his reservations about Orthodoxy, and his reasons for remaining a Protestant, in spite of his agreement with many aspects of Orthodoxy.(An earlier reviewer who criticized Clendenin's "uncritical approach" apparently skipped these chapters.)

Clendenin is particularly good in his discussion of apophasis, and his analysis of Orthodoxy's skepticism of rational "worded" theology and its embrace and celebration of mystery.His chapter on anthropology, in which he focuses on theosis--a much neglected Christian fundamental here in the West--is also masterful.

The chapter on icons isn't as well thought-through.A Protestant confused about the significance of icons for Orthodox Christians isn't likely to get a great deal of clarification here.Clendenin also occasionally cites Patristic quotations already cited by secondary authors, rather than going to the original texts themselves, and this is a bit troubling.But it must also be pointed out that one of the remarkably refreshing features of his book is his generous quotations of early Greek Fathers who aren't often studied in the West.

All in all, Clendenin's book is an invaluable resource for outsiders interested in the "fourth major religion" in this country.Highly recommended, particularly when read along the accompanying anthology _Eastern Orthodox Theology:A Contemporary Reader_.

Could have been better
I think the author did a lot of work on this book and it is helpful but it really reads like a book written by someone trying to convert Protestants to Orthodoxy. The mystery is why Clendenin is still Protestant.The book does not make, as I recall, one criticism of the theology or practice of Orthodoxy.For Protestants who would like to examine Orthodoxy biblically (e.g., evaluate the biblical underpinnings of icons, pro and con) this would not be a good choice.I would recommend "The Three Great Churches" (Rials) or "the Gospel According to Rome" (McCarthy). Even though the latter is about Catholicism, many of the issues are the same for Orthodoxy.All that said, this book and its companion (the reader) are very helpful and illuminating for those wanting to understand Orthodoxy from a theologian's perspective. The graphics are very good and it is very well documented.

Orthodoxy from a cultural and historical perspective.Very solid but not comprehensive.
Daniel B. Clendenin has done his research.Not only does he have the credentials (Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies, Drew University) but he has also spent some years teaching religion at the Moscow State University (right after the communist soviet union collapsed in '91) right in the heart of Slavic Orthodoxy - (Moscow has also the nickname of the 3rd Rome, in christian history).

Considering that Clendenin has been and still is a Presbyterian, it is very assuring to read this book and realize how non-polemical and theologically un-biased it is.A great companion for this read is Clendenin's other book "Eastern Orthodox Theology - A Contemporary Reader."

This book is written from a Protestant and Western perspective.Basically Clendenin tries to explain Eastern Orthodoxy to the average Western man and woman or your average Protestant churchgoer.A lot of this introduction has to do with the cultural and mystery/mystic-driven aspect of Orthodoxy.

He starts the book with two chapters on church history, a great foundation necessary to understand the early development, isolation, and ethos of Orthodoxy.

The following four chapters are discussions and explanations of four important aspects of the Orthodox faith and theology:
3) Apophatic theology and the mystery of God,
4) Christ's image and the use and meaning of icons in Orthodoxy,
5) On the authority of Scripture and Christian Tradition, and
6) Theosis - a very Orthodox term and concept.

The last chapter (#7 - "Hermeneutics of Love") presents balanced analysis and questions challenging the Orthodox believer as well as the Protestant Christian.This chapter is the one where I had the most to learn from.

As a result of reading this book and the companion I have a much better understanding of Orthodoxy (as a Protestant Christian) andhave things to talk about with my Orthodox fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.Other books I would recommend on the topic of Orthodoxy are Timothy (or Kallistos) Ware - "Orthodox Church" and especially "Orthodox Way." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding Introduction to the Orthodox Church
This book is one in a series by author Clark Carlton. It is an excellent intro to Orthodoxy for anyone Orthodox or otherwise. Mr. Carlton explains clearly and concisley what the trinity is and why its so important to Christians. The Fall of Mankind, Fervant Intercessors[p.123], What a (S)aint is and is not[p.124] The teachings of Christ[p.127] The Birth and Mission of the Church[p.153] Missions and Evangelism[p.161] Holy Baptim [p.179] The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit[p.191] The Mystical Supper[p.203] And Much, Much more. The other books by Carlton are The Truth and The Faith which are companions and should also be available through Amazon. ... Read more

Book Description
Eastern Orthodox Church leaders celebrate and explain the nuances of their faith in Eastern Orthodox Theology, a collection of readings for those who wish to better understand key aspects of the Orthodox faith, such as liturgy and sacraments, tradition, the mystical encounter between person and God, and relations with other branches of the church. In this new edition, two new articles have been added to update the section on Orthodoxy's relationship with the West. Articles from Timothy Weber (the only non-Orthodox contribution) and Bradley Nassif address the growing interface between the evangelical and Orthodox traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Orthodox Theology - as Worship, as Tradition, as Encounters, and as Mission
Excellent companion to Daniel B. Clendenin's other book about Orthodoxy - "Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective."

This book in comparison to its companion, is a compilation of contemporary Orthodox theologians' writings on such topics as:
* liturgy and sacraments,
* tradition,
* the mystical encounter between person and God, and
* relations with the other branches of the church.

One will be pleasantly surprised to read biographical information on theologians such as Kallistos Ware, Vladimir Lossky, Alexander Schmemann and others and also read their thoughts on Orthodox living theology.

This book is written for all Christians, but primarily for Protestants and Eastern Orthodox believers.Enjoy!

Orthodoxy as Tradition, Worship, and Apophatic Theology,

Wide Spectrum Reader:
The 'Contemporary Reader' of Eastern Orthodox theology, is a thoughtfully selected group of essays. This book is intended as a companion reader to the author's apologia; looking into Orthodox traditions, of Liturgy and theology. The concise essays provide enough information to get the reader briefed on various topics, authored by eminent Eastern Orthodox, where the Evangelical editor comment on the theological message of the essay itself.
No lesser an Orthodox than the Editor, I would recommend this collection of essays as a broad spectrum introductory readership to Eastern Orthodox Doctrine: teaching (Doctrine: from Doctor i.e. Teacher of the church), in spite of being a monotonic essays rather than Chatechetical dialogue (in the Alexandrine sense it should be Q & A dialogue)

Orthodox Essays Roaster:
Daniel Clendenin, an Evangelical student of Eastern Orthodoxy, who critically examined and proved aware of Orthodox practices to the amazement of most Easterners and Orientals, is on InterVarsity staff at Stanford University. The knowledgeable book editor, who once wrote; Why I'm not Orthodox, 'Christianity today, Jan. 6, 1997', made his case based on some petrified Orthodox practices.
Clendenin has included a balanced selection of topics from some outstanding Eastern (Byzantine) theologians, who happened to be mostly Russian: Florovsky, Lossky, Meyendroff, and Schmemann. His selection from Greek theologians was short of Zizioulis, Staniloae, and others. He may have never heard of eminent Orintals like Metropolitan G. Khedr, or Fr. Matthew the poor, Abbot of St. Makarius.
The issues are very well selected and the chapters cover a full integral roaster of topics. Since the editor is Evangelical he skillfully included most of the issues of particular concern to Protestants, covering everything from the importance of the liturgy to the role of sacraments and Orthodox stances on the nature of God and such issues on salvation as Theosis (deification), the Eucharist, intercession of saints, praying with icons, and hesitant ecumenical relations with the Romans, and at least upper Church Protestantism.

Orthodox Theology:
As a lay theologian interested in learning what the neo-Orthodox are to say, I came to know, specially Fr. Lev Gilet of St. Serge, in Paris who was very influential in the revival of Orthodox Youth movement in the Middle east. Although I am reservedly fascinated with 'Byzantine' ontological theology yet this is remote from authentic Orthodoxy, the spirit of the desert fathers and their mysticism. Prof. Thomas Torrance expresses it well: the knowledge of God comes through the remarriage of Ontology with Epistemology. Surprisingly, they have never been divorced in the ultimate Alexandro-Antiochian Orthodoxy. Some of these articles may look somewhat controversial; that is because Oriental and Eastern Orthodoxy has a minimum of dogmatics, leaving more space for personal views, united by the long patristic tradition, since there is no strict doctrinal control in the traditional archaic sense.
Orthodox theology rooted in Alexandria cataphatic based allegory, biblical mysticism garnished with Skete's practical Christianity of partaking in divine nature (Theosis), through ego mortification to self forgiveness, and being in continuing presence of the Lord, in praying unceasingly the arrow prayer of Macarius (adopted as the Jesus prayer): this is the only authentic Orthodox Mystical theology of sharing our being in Christ Victor.

Controversial Orthodoxy?
An Amazon.com reviewer guessed "whether this book is fair representation of Orthodox thinking. I happen to know that some of the authors and opinions are controversial in Orthodox circles." While, "studentofislamichistory" adds that, "Perhaps it is hard to avoid controversy in modern theology." Whether this book represents a full spectrum of contemporary Orthodox theological thought? Although few of the authors are out of the main stream conservatives, their opinions are not controversial but complementary. Saying so, I could be no less critical of some of the marginally expressed views.

Good collection of essays on orthodox thought
This book was my first-ever purchase from Amazon.com 4 years ago.Although not a member of the Orthodox church, I pay some attention to theology and was interested in learning what the Orthodox had to say.I found this an excellent introduction to Orthodox doctrines, covering everything from the importance of the liturgy to the role of sacraments and Orthodox stances on the nature of God and ecumenicism.The anonymous reader from Northern California states that some of these articles are controversial; regrettably, I don't have information on that.Perhaps it is hard to avoid controversy in modern theology.In any case, if you're interested in the title subject, this is a good starting point.

Great Selection, Eminently Readable
First I must note that I am not Orthodox, and neither is the book's editor. So I can't begin to guess whether this book is fair representation of Orthodox thinking. I happen to know that some of the authors andopinions are controversial in Orthodox circles. But I think the book isgreat. The selections are very well written and cover a broad variety oftopics, including most of those of particular concern to Protestants, suchas icons, saints, deification, and ecumenical relations. The introductionsto each essay provide just enough information to get the reader orientedwithout intruding on the content. I have rarely enjoyed a thelogical bookso much. The essays by Lossky alone are worth the price. ... Read more

Book Description
This rich anthology offers new insight into an ancient form of Christianity still little understood in the West. An introduction to the rich diversity of the six 'Ancient and Oriental Orthodox' churches—Egyptian Copts, Armenians, Syrians, Indian Malankara, Ethiopian, and Eritrean—through their distinctive tradition of prayer and worship, it provides both a survey of the history and theology of these Eastern Orthodox traditions as well as an anthology of their personal prayers, blessings, and liturgical prayers. The collection highlights the distinctiveness of Eastern Christian spirituality along with its connections to Western theology and worship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good stuff...literally
Eye-opening to the eastern traditions and very well put together.This book has some of the most eloquent prayers I've ever heard.Definitely worth the read.

Through Prayer
If one wants to enter into the heart of a religion such as Eastern Orthodoxy, it is best accomplished through the prayers and worship of the faithful. This readable collection of prayers helps the reader pray their way into the heart of the faith. Well done.

If you have an interest in the Oriental Orthodox Church and how it relates the Christianity at large- Orthodox, Roman, Protestant, I would suggest the useful book "Christ in East and West" edited by Fries and Nersoyen. ... Read more

Book Description
This volume brings together in one compass the Orthodox Churches - the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople and the Russian, Armenian, Ethiopian, Egyptian and Syrian Churches. It follows their fortunes from the late Middle Ages until modern times - exactly the period when their history has been most neglected. Inevitably, this emphasises differences in teachings and experience, but it also brings out common threads, most notably the resilience displayed in the face of alien and often hostile political regimes. The central theme is the survival against the odds of Orthodoxy in its many forms into the modern era. The last phase of Byzantium proves to have been surprisingly important in this survival.It provided Orthodoxy with the intellectual, artistic and spiritual reserves to meet later challenges. The continuing vitality of the Orthodox Churches is evident for example in the Sunday School Movement in Egypt and the Zoe brotherhood in Greece. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (65)

The Orthodox Church made easy
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware's The Orthodox Church is a thorough explanation on the often complicated subject of the Eastern Orthodox faith.This edition makes the Orthodox Church a relatively simple read and understandable both to Orthodox Christians and non Orthodox alike.

Stuffy, disorganized Oxford don
An academic, poorly organized work that was a let-down after reading all these great reviews. Too much of Ware's opinions, not enough substance. Don't waste your money.

Informative book
This is an informative book about the history and practices of the Eastern Orthodox church.

Perfect for inquirers of the faith...
I am a catechumen in the Greek Orthodox Church and was highly recommended to purchase this book to give me an overview of the Faith.This book is priceless in its endeavors.For those inquiring about the Orthodox Faith, in the process of converting, or need to reinvigorate their understanding of the Faith, GET THIS BOOK.It is an invaluable tool, and it has a great companion book as well, The Orthodox Way, which further details the Faith.Check them out!

Excellent introduction to the Orthodox Church

A friend of the family gave me a copy of 'Journey' by Peter France which tells the story of how he discovered Orthodoxy after many years of being an atheist.A true cynic, France was left cold by many of the religions he read about.But finally he was so inspired by Orthodoxy that he had himself baptised on the island of Pathos.

That book inspired me and in it France mentions 'The Orthodox Church', so I decided to buy a copy.

It is an excellent introduction to Orthodoxy.The historical background is both essential and fascinating.The explanation of faith and worship is relatively easy to understand and what struck me the most is how much religion has been intellectualised.But that this is essential to the practice of the faith.

If Orthodoxy is of interest you, look no further than this book.


... Read more

Book Description
"Deep in a northern Russian forest of jade and brown, far from any hint of civilization, Valaam monastery sinks into the seasons of the year as it has for a thousand years before…."

So begins the story of John Oliver, a young American on a journey of discovery— a journey that leads him to an ancient Russian monastery, a place of peace and a place of struggle. For on Valaam, he encounters the great depths of Orthodox Christianity and is reminded that the Christian life is not for the faint of heart. And on Valaam, the treasure of stillness requires a fierce guarding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very unfocused and unprofessionally edited
John Oliver wrote TOUCHING HEAVEN during and after a pilgrimage to the Valaam monastery in Russia, where he and a group of other Orthodox Christians from the US repaired a site badly scarred by the communist years. I thought the book would be interesting, but was ultimately quite disappointed.

Oliver's book consists mainly of personal musings inspired by moments at the monastery. These concern the difficulty of the ascetic life on the island and the unhealthy values of American consumerism back home. While a volume of spiritual reflections can work, as in Thomas Merton's CONJECTURES OF A GUILTY BYSTANDER, Oliver's book is wildly unfocused. It also doesn't tell us much about the monastery itself, a major centre for pilgrimage, about which many readers would like to know more. Oliver's prose is very purple and full of trite similes and excessive verbage. The book also lacks professional editing and typesetting, and is yet another book that makes Orthodox presses in the US look amateurish. I regrettably cannot recommend this book.

Good idea for a book, but...
As a Roman Catholic monk, I was excited initially to see a book on the Russian Orthodox monks--especially since it seemed to be intimately written from experience.The writer, John Oliver, must be commended for his help to the monks.The book, however, lacks personality and intimacy.I wanted to hear more about the lives and stories of the monks!The author, repeating how much the monks have affected him simply does not say to the reader the specific ways he was challenged.

Great concept for a book, but simply lacks good stories.

Too Short!
I will be reading this one again.Mr. Oliver's poetic and soothing prose lulled me into the story of his wonderful transformation from a "seeker" to an Orthodox Christian.His account of Valaam and Elder Raphael are like an afternoon recollection--as if I can close my eyes and share in his memories.

Touching Heaven
"Touching Heaven" is astonishing.Read it slowly, with great care and expectation.

Touching Heaven
With some appreciation for Russian culture at the beginning, JohnOliver sets off to help rebuild part of the Valaam Monastery. His life is changed as he becomes a better Orthodox Christian and at the same time grows within as a thinker.The silence and the cooperate work in Northern Russia makes him realize his part in the scheme of life.He does find internal peace and understands why men over the centuries have turned to the monastic life. It is well written andcould be re-read time and time again. ... Read more

Product Description
I believe that Raising Lazarus will do much to establish pastoral counseling as avital integrative ministry within the modern Orthodox Christian Church andoff er valuable perspective to those in other denominations as well. Surelythe authors have responded successfully to Archbishop Demetrios' challengeto "off er Orthodox Christianity to contemporary America." Their rewardwill be that they will help many persons in their eff orts to achieve spiritualgrowth and healing. We are all grateful.Dimitrios G. OreopoulosRaising Lazarus takes an adventuresome approach to the fundamental practicalissue raised by the Christian faith: How are we to live the union of divine andhuman life that is off ered to us by Christ? The book's clear reply is: Certainlynot by a 'spiritual' manner of living, if that means ignoring the psychologicaland bodily aspects of our being. In their diff erent ways the contributorsinvite us to use the insights of the Fathers as well as those of contemporarydepth psychology in our search for wholeness in Christ, thereby confi rmingthat the Tradition of the Church is quite capable of facing the challenges ofthe new century in a lively and constructive manner.Bishop Basil of Sergievo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Spirituality in Pastoral Care
As a pastor in a local congregation, I am always looking for current writing on the subjects of counseling and pastoral care.Raising Lazarus is a wonderful addition to my personal library.As a Southern Baptist pastor, I was grateful for a new approach to pastoral care as outlined in the "orthodox" model.Each chapter in the book helped me to understand the importance of building and maintaining close relationships with my congregants.

I especially appreciated the emphasis of Trinitarian thought throughout the book.The role of God as Father, Son, and Spirit was integral to the care of persons seeking help.I am certain to refer to this book often as I minister to the members of our congregation.I highly receommend this book to all who have an interest in the spirituality of pastoral care. ... Read more

Book Description
As Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I is the symbol of unity for the self-governing national and ethnic Orthodox Christian churches throughout the world. He is well known for his commitment to protecting the environment, and for opening communications with other Christians (especially the Roman Catholic Church) as well as with Muslims and other religious groups.

Written with personal warmth and great erudition, ENCOUNTERING THE MYSTERY illuminates the rich culture and soul of Orthodox Christianity. Bartholomew I traces the roots of Orthodox Christianity to its founding 2000 years ago, explores its spirituality and doctrine, and explains its liturgy and art. More especially, in a unique and unprecedented way, he relates Orthodox Christianity to contemporary issues, such as freedom and human rights, social justice and globalization, as well as nationalism and war.

With a recent rebirth of Orthodox Christian churches (particularly in the former Soviet Union and elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe), there has been great interest in understanding this important branch of Christianity with its close ties to the traditions of the early Church. As USA TODAY recently reported, Orthodox Christian churches throughout the country are drawing converts attracted by the beauty of its liturgy and inspired by its enduring theology and teachings. But for the general seeker, whatever their background, ENCOUNTERING THE MYSTERY is a rich spiritual source that draws upon the wisdom of millennia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Real meaning
An excellent book from Matthew the Poor; a hermit who left civilization to dwell in the desert with only a few books in his hands. Whether or not you are from the Orthodox faith, this book will speak to you. If you pray, you will pray with more connection to God...guaranteed; if you don't pray, you may just start. I recommend reading this book slowly, or you will miss revealed depths.Another excellent book from the same author that I highly recommend is "the communion of love".

A heartfelt testimonial on prayer
This book is perfect for anyone wishing to better appreciate the dynamics of prayer and its role in developing a relationship with God. While the author draws much from the writings of Eastern Church Fathers, his explanations about prayer will inspire Christians from almost any background to adopt a lifestyle in which prayer becomes for them as nourishing and refreshing as eating or breathing and not simply a discipline or a ritual done at bed time.

A very instructive book on prayer
This book is based upon the notes of a contemporary Egyptian Orthodox Christian monk regarding prayer.It defines the different types of prayer, instruction on how to pray and hindrances we find in our spiritual growth.Matthew the Poor brings in his own experiences as well as those from the eastern Orthodox tradition and the west.Each chapter contains instruction from the Desert Fathers.

This is deeply spiritual book and I highly recommend it for those who want to deepen their understanding of prayer.

I do not consider this "lite" reading

great fast service
thank you for your very fast delivery. The book arrived in perfect order.

Awesome!
Great book by a great spirirtual father, monk and theologian who lived and experienced what he wrote about.
Probably the best book written on Prayer Life! ... Read more

Book Description
The late Professor Panagiotes K. Chrestou of Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece, is justly regarded as the leading Greek Patrologist of the twentieth century. The present volume is a foretaste of Professor Chrestou's Greek Patrology. Its great value will be realized by anyone who decides to delve into these pages. It provides a bird's eye view of Greek Orthodox Patrology, and elucidates in a thorough and succinct way such basic topics as: who the Fathers are; the historical context of patristic literature; the nature and characteristics of Greek patristic literature; and the seven major periods of patristic literature from AD 90 through 1453, the capture of Constantinople. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

A fascinating journey to an ancient faith
Peter Guilquist's Becoming Orthodox is a fascinating journey to discovering an ancient faith by a group of modern day evangelical Christians.

It provides details on how this group of faithful came to question their status quo faith and to yearn for answers in the historical church, its teachings, its practices and most importantly where in the present day this historical church could be found?

Their journey led them to discover the Eastern Orthodox Church as the true historical Church of Jesus Christ and His Apostles handed down to us through ages through the bishops by Apostolic Succession.

Complicated theological issues are treated with a clear and simple approach.

Not a book I would recommend
In this book, written as an autobiography, Gilquist explains to the reader why he converted to the "true" church. It would seem that in this age of tolerance, few would listen to a man saying that only his denomination is right, but that is the sum of what Gilquist is promoting. It seems that the book is written to convert Protestants to Eastern Orthodoxy, while also getting in some digs on Catholics.Gilquist, after all, is in charge of evangelism (shall we say proselytizing) for his denomination. Left out of the book is the sad story of the Ben Lomond excommunication of many of Gilquist's fellow Orthodox converts, after they disagreed with their bishop, who excommunicated them by fax and gave control of their church building to the few who remained faithful to him.It presents Orthodoxy as a utopian ending to his quest, but he leaves out the warts and tries to slide unpalatable Orthodox doctrine under the door whenever he can. For instance, while quoting Jesus' statment that scripture is more important than tradition, he sidesteps that by saying that Jesus was referring to "bad" tradition and not "good" tradition. Good traditions, of course, are the ones that Gilquist believes. Bad traditions are the ones other churches hold to. This is not supported by the facts. For those wishing to convert to Orthodoxy, Gilquist's book will be helpful. For those who want a balanced analysis of the issues, I recommend other books: "The Gospel According to Rome" by McCarthy (although about Catholicism, the issues are mostly the same as Orthodoxy and Catholicism are very similar), "The Protestant's Guide to Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy" by Rials, or "Why Angels Fall" by Clark.

Stunning / A real Gem
First off, I give the author much credit and praise for a very well written treatise concerning the metamorphosis that occured when encountering this ancient Orthodox faith. Secondly, In my opinion, the book was realistic, unequivocal and believable in every aspect, given the myriad of utopian philosophies out there besides pseudo theologians. Thirdly, I found nothing prosaic as I easily glided through its pages. Lastly, I perceived the author was honest and forthright regarding his trying journey. I might add here that I particularly liked the way the author described the revelation of this little known "Pearl of Great Price" that has existed pretty much unchanged throughout history. I am convinced by this book that the utopians have missed the mark in no uncertain terms. The Den of IniquityThe Screwtape LettersUltimate Things: An Orthodox Christian Perspective on the End Times

A manifesto for "introducing North America to the riches of this [Eastern Orthodox] historic faith"
The quotes are the last words in the book.This 'manifesto' (imho) is not another 'conversion' story but rather the true story of a spiritual journey; a journey embarked by a group of fervent evangelical Protestants (Campus Crusade for Christ leaders) and which lasted over a decade.Peter E. Gillquist (the author) is a brilliant marketeer and presenter of his group's spiritual journey, of their search for the ancient faith and original New Testament Church.

The book is devided into three sections:

Part I describes the group's pilgrimage through the history of Christendom.This was done by assigning each members an area of research, such as church history pre-reformation and post-reformation, Biblical doctrine, and Christian worship.As Gillquist sumarizes this new journey in the last chapter, "the change came for us when we stopped trying to judge and reevaulate Church history, and for once invited Church history to judge and evaluate us."

Part II entitled "Orthodoxy and the Bible" is the meat of the book (imho).Here Gillquist does an excellent job of explaining (and not overpowering or over-analyzing) the most mis-understood and puzzling components of the Orthodox faith and praxis.These topics include:
a) explaining the use of all 5 senses in Orthodox worship,
b) the reasons for having a Christian historical tradition ("Traditon is there not just to preserve the Bible, but also to interpret it."),
c) using the title "Father" (Fr.),
d) why should we honor Mary (aka Theotokos - God-bearer),
e) and why does a Christian cross oneself?

Part III is a narative highlighting the lows and highs of a decade of pilgrimage before the Evangelical Orthodox Church (EOC - the name of over 2000 Protestants, 17 dioces who were becoming Orthodox) had been accepted and included into the Antiochian Orthodox Church.

As my title suggestions, this books is a great marketing tool for anyone interested in the Orthodox Church and Faith.One should not expect doctoral answers to difficult questions from this 191 page book (although a lot of Biblical verses are quoted and used for explanation).Personally I found the writing style very easy to read (the larger font and spacing definitely helped), coherent and logical, and even entertainining in some spots.I wish Gillquist would have written more about the ones who dropped out early on from the church history research, or the priests/bishops in EOC who did not join the Antiochian Orthodox Church.As a liturgical Protestant I certainly do not agree with the statement that "to forsake the Church, you must also forsake the faith" (pg.143) and I wish Gillquist would have spent more time talking about ecclesiology and its view and development throughout the history of Christendom.

Nevertheless, I found the tone, style, and content of this book to be non-polemical, Christian, and informative.I would recommend it for any Christian (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) interested in why a large group (over 2000) of hard-core evangelical Campus-Crusade-for-Christ Christian activists became and joined the Eastern Orthodox Church.This book is also beneficial to any non-Christian intersted in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Good for what it tries to do
This is the story of how a group of 2,000 Evangelicals end up converting to the Eastern Orthodox church, and it's written through the eyes of one of their leaders, former Campus Crusade for Christ leader Peter Gilquist.

STRENGTHS:
1. It's a narrative, and it's an easy read.For folks who don't want a lot of in-depth arguments, history, etc., this book will be a fair introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy.

2. It's enthusiastic, personal, and engaging.Gilquist has the convert's zeal as he writes, and it's quite infectious.He's obviously been deeply affected by his journey, and his enthusiasm makes this book a page-turner.

3. He shows how he and his peers handled typical Protestant stumbling blocks to Orthodox faith & worship (Mary, Saints, Icons, Liturgy, Tradition, etc.).

4.He writes about Eastern Orthodoxy using religious language the way Protestants do.(In otherwords, he's comfortable talking about "being born again," etc.)So, for a Protestant inquiring into the Orthodox faith, this book will be fairly easy to understand and pose no cultural or language barriers.

5. When he and his peers reach a point where they must decide between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, the reasoning they use isn't just knee-jerk, anti-Catholic polemics.

WEAKNESSES:
1. While he does show how he and his colleagues reasoned their way into Orthodoxy, he hasn't set out to write air-tight cases for Orthodox beliefs and practices.He's simply trying to show Protestants that Orthodox beliefs are reasonable.So, those looking for more serious and complete argumentation will need to turn elsewhere.

2.He began his journey as a disillusioned Protestant.If you're a Protestant who's perfectly content with where you're at on your spiritual journey, you may not identify with him or the critiques of Protestantism which led he and his colleagues to begin their journey/search.

3.He writes about Eastern Orthodoxy using religious language the way Protestants do.I know I said this was a strength, but it's also (IMO) the book's greatest weakness.For someone who is Eastern Orthodox, the spirit of this book may seem quite Western in its approach to Orthodoxy.Rather than embracing the Church experientially, mystically, historically, liturgically, and from within the context of saint's lives, etc., Gilquist came to the Church as a judge, letting his own intellectual prowess and reasoning skills cement his convictions that Orthodoxy represents the "true Church."

OVERALL:
This book is good for what it is meant to do.Enjoy it.Learn a bit more about Orthodoxy because of it. If you're Protestant, don't think he's trying to convert you and feel all defensive.If you're Catholic, don't be upset at how easily he seemed to dismiss Catholic arguments without showing the reader how he came to his conclusions.If you're Orthodox, don't get hung up on how he came to Orthodoxy with a very so-called "Protestant approach."Afterall, he was Protestant at the time, and this is how Protestants do things. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Catholic Church Promotion
First, the good stuff.It is written so that grade 6-8 kids can read this easily and it is certainly a general overview.

This book reads more like a Catholic Church pamphlet than a seriously researched document.Non-Catholic groups, regardless if they are Protestants or Orthodox, are depicted as groups who decided to not follow the correct views, but are nevertheless not completely bad.

The Crusades are dealt with in a paragraph and "Throughout the succeeding crusades, however, dissension among the leaders took place and deviations from their holy purpose often led to failure."By stating that there was a holy purpose to conquering the Levant is not only extremely subjective, it is historically inaccurate.The Inquisitions are similar reviewed in a paragraph and stated as being a means to achieving political unity.Nothing is mentioned of executions, torture, or the really good stuff. There are many other examples, but these two should demonstrate a fundamental weakness that is consistent throughout the book.

In short, the subjectivity of this work got on my nerves and as a history teacher I would question its value as a source because of it very obvious bias. ... Read more

Book Description
In the void left by the fall of Communism in Russia during the late twentieth century, can that country establish a true civil society? Many scholars have analyzed the political landscape to answer this question, but in The Orthodox Church and Civil Society in Russia, Wallace L. Daniel offers a unique perspective: within the church are individuals who hold the values and institutional models that can be vital in determining the direction of Russia in the twenty-first century.

Daniel tells the stories of a teacher and controversial parish priest, the leader of Russia's most famous women's monastery, a newspaper editor, and a parish priest at Moscow University to explore thoroughly and with a human voice the transformation from Communist country to a new social order. Daniel explores specific religious communities and the way they operate, their efforts to rebuild parish life, and the individuals who have devoted themselves to such goals. This is the level, Daniel shows, at which the reconstruction of Russia and the revitalization of Russian society is taking place.

This book is written for general readers interested in the intersection between politics, religion, and society, as well as for scholars. ... Read more

Book Description
In Keeping the Faith, Jennifer Jean Wynot presents a clear and concise history of the trials and evolution of Russian Orthodox monasteries and convents and the important roles they have played in Russian culture, both spiritually and politically, from the abortive reforms of 1905 to the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. She shows how, throughout the Soviet period, Orthodox monks and nuns continued to provide spiritual strength to the people, in spite of severe persecution, and despite the ambivalent relationship the Russian state has had toward the Russian church since the reign of Ivan the Terrible.

Focusing her study on two provinces, Smolensk and Moscow, Wynot describes the Soviet oppression and the clandestine struggles of the monks and nuns to uphold the traditions of monasticism and Orthodoxy. Their success against heavy odds enabled them to provide a counterculture to the Soviet regime. Indeed, of all the pre-1917 institutions, the Orthodox Church proved the most resilient.

Based on previously unavailable Russian archival sources as well as written memoirs and interviews with surviving monks and nuns, Wynot analyzes the monasteries' adaptation to the Bolshevik regime. She challenges standard Western assumptions that Communism effectively killed the Orthodox Church in Russia. She shows that in fact, the role of monks and nuns in Orthodox monasteries and convents is crucial, and that they are largely responsible for the continuation of Orthodoxy in Russia following the Bolshevik revolution. ... Read more

Book Description
Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which is the spiritual tradition of nearly 200 million people, including many millions in the former Soviet Union, differs widely from that of the West both in form and spirit. These four essays, readable and clearly developed, introduce the reader to the mystical world experienced by the Orthodox Church. The first sections highlight among other subjects the spirit of Orthodoxy, the richness of Orthodox worship and the significance of icons, together with the place of holy fools, pilgrimage, holy men, and asceticism in Russian religious life. In the last sections, the reader will find a concise presentation of hesychasm, the mystical tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy which involves awakening to the Uncreated Light - the Presence of God which 'overshadows' and envelops the entire cosmos within Itself. For the Orthodox mystic, the way of liberation and deification in God lies in contemplation, in quieting the constant stream of thoughts, phantasies, and passions which make man blind to the splendor and mystery of the Divine Presence. The vehicle of liberation is the Sacred Name of Jesus, invoked constantly by the devotee, the significance of which is dealt with in the last essay. Author Jon Gregerson has written and lectured in the field of religion. A graduate of the University of California, he has done research in Russian culture at the University of Chicago. His own spiritual quest has led him from the Christianity of the West to Russian Orthodoxy. ... Read more

Book Description
The Copts - the indigenous Christians of Egypt - declared their independence from Byzantine Christianity when they appointed their own patriarchs in the sixth century. Jill Kamil has written an angaging and accessible survey of the history of Christianity on Egypt, through its development under Rome, Byzantium and Islam, to modern times.
Drawing on personal travel to all the Christian sites of Egypt, and conversations with scholars, monks, museum directors, and scores of lay Egyptians both Copt and Muslim, the author tells us about the fundamental importance of Coptic religion and culture in Egypt. Weaving together historical research with absorbing stories, she explores questions as:
* How did Christianity suceed in an Egypt that already had an established religion which had lasted for more than 300 years?
* Why were there so many Egyptian martyrs?
* What caused the Coptic Church to break away from the rest of orthodox Christianity in the sixth century AD?
Lavishly illustrated with more than 120 photographs, drawings and maps, Christianity in the Land of the Pharaohs offers a captivating insight into a side if Egypt that will be new to many readers. It is ideal not only for students of Egyptian history and Christianity, as well as those with a more general interst in Egypt's past and present. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An insider's vivid Coptic Christianity
Egyptian Christianity:
The Christians of Egypt, called the Copts, a corrupted Greek word for Egyptians, used by the nomadic Arab invaders, have a tragic but very fascinating history. Their significance to Western culture and Christian faith has gained momentum, in the last decades after the discovery of the Coptic Gnostic Library of Chenoboskion, near today's city of Nag Hammadi, in upper Egypt.

Author with a challenge:
Jill Kamil, is an outstanding writer and columnist for Al Ahram Weekly, the elite Middle East English cultural bulletin, where she edits the travel and archeology section. Jill, living in Egypt since 1956, when she adopted her husband's Coptic heritage, weaved in a unique style, by her observing eyes and analytical mind, supported with historical research, and endorsed with absorbing stories, a lively mosaic of history, tragedy, faith and mysticism. Jill anticipates and answers her Children and grandchildren queries, and yourself if you will, supported with over a hundred photo
-How has Egyptian Christianity influenced the wider church?
-What led the Copts to initiate and promote monasticism?
-Why were so many Christian martyred in late antiquity Egypt?
-When and Why did the Egyptian church break away from Chaledonian main stream Christianity, after the sixth century? Who called it the Coptic Church, and when?

Coptic tradition and Culture:
"A beaming bearded priest led me towards the baptismal font in the cathedral of St. Mark the Evangelist in the Ezbekieh district of Cairo. I was seven month pregnant and about to become a member of the Coptic orthodox church. My husband Nabeeh Kamil, sociologist and artist whom I met when he was studying in the UK, was by my side." This is how Jill started her book with her natural introduction but fascinating encounter with ancient Christianity, still alive in the hearts of the Copts.
Christianity in Kemet, the land of the Pharaohs is an engaging survey of Coptic Christianity, through late pharaonic times, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Memluk, and Ottoman periods and beyond Mohammed Aly modern Egypt.
She based her book, the sixteenth in a category, on her own insider experience of half a century of living and loving, extensive travel around the Coptic sites, conversing with a colorful spectrum of various experts, monks, archeologists, evaluating and summing up the Coptic experience, and impact in space and time, on tradition and culture in Egypt, the region, and the world.

Stories from the Past:
Jill recounts Coptic folklore fables, they keep telling their sons and daughters from generation to generation, and stories held dear to their hearts, that centuries away created those marvelous legends in the Gnostic Gospel of the Childhood, and according to the Egyptians. In her introduction she defended very articulately the case for setting the record straight about the same deficiency-bias ,'associated with Europe's view of Europe itself at the time...{and} the colonial attitude led to a resistance against providing Egyptians with information on their own past'

Epilogue:
' Ancient Egyptian theology, despite its apparent diversity and growing complexity with the passage of time, remained remarkably uniform throughout the 3,000 years of ancient history. It was closely connected with the Egyptian's conception of his world -- the universe was essentially static; the social order was part of the cosmic order, and the central figure was the king, whose acts were those of a god not a human being.'Amazing! ... Read more