Topic: Books on the Orthodox faith...

[SOGFPP]

What books do you reccomend to learn about the Orthodox faith?

I would appreciate suggestions that do not compare/contrast vs. the Roman Catholic Church... I would just like to know what book(s) would be a good primer on EO theology/ecclesiology.

Peace in Christ,
Scott

[Jennifer]

Kallistos Ware's The Orthodox Church is a great starting point.  I also recommend Fr. Schmemann's Sacraments and Orthodoxy. 

[jmbejdl]

Kallistos Ware's The Orthodox Church is a great starting point.ÂÂ  I also recommend Fr. Schmemann's Sacraments and Orthodoxy.ÂÂ  

Hi Scott,

Nice to see you here (I'm the James you know as IacobPersul elsewhere). I'd second Jennifer's suggestions except that if you're after theology rather than history I think you'd be better off with The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos rather than The Orthodox Church. I'd also suggest (but it's heavy going at times) Vladimir Lossky's book The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church.

Hope that helps.

James

[SOGFPP]

Hiya James,

Thanks to you and Jennifer for the reccomedations.....

I thought I would pop over here to learn a bit more.... as you know, that other site is a bit too heated at times.... I enjoy our chats, and I hope we can continue them here.

I don't know my way around this site yet, so if you'd like my participation in a thread, please send me a link!

Scott

[Tikhon29605]

May I suggest a great book on Orthodoxy that is not polemical against the Catholic Church at all?  Its called "The Life In Christ" by Saint Nicholas Cabasilas, a 14th century churchman in Constantinople. Simple. Profound. Deeply Mystical. Highly Sacramental. You'd love it. And available online from St. Vladimir's Seminary Bookstore.

[Elisha]

Hi Scott,

Nice to see you here (I'm the James you know as IacobPersul elsewhere). I'd second Jennifer's suggestions except that if you're after theology rather than history I think you'd be better off with The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos rather than The Orthodox Church. I'd also suggest (but it's heavy going at times) Vladimir Lossky's book The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church.

Hope that helps.

James

Lossy is heavy throughout, not just "at times".  If you can handle him, then great.  I have great difficulty.

I don't know why you say "The Orthodox Way" instead of "The Orthodox Church".  They are completely different in scope and focus.  One is about the nature of God and the other is Church History and basics about the Church - completely different.  I think "The Orthodox" Way is much more academic and philosophical in nature and "The Orthodox Church" is more practical.