Sean Bala reviewed The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware (Penguin religion and mythology)
Review of 'The Orthodox Church' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
"The Orthodox Church: New Edition" by Timothy Ware (Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia) is a book of vast scope and earnest hopes. The book is probably one of the best introductions to Orthodox Christianity for both Orthodox and non-Orthodox readers. His work, while heavily steeped in Orthodox tradition, is a well-researched, well-constructed, and detailed examination of a religious world little examined in the West. Ware divides his examination into two parts: Part I explores the history of the Orthodox church. The main thrust of this part is to explain the evolution of Orthodoxy, the historical basis for beliefs, and, perhaps on the mind of most readers, why exactly there was a split between East and West. I rather enjoyed this section, finding this alternative history of Christendom to be enlightening. While sometimes dragging in places this part give the reader a good, overall introduction that is willing to engage with Orthodoxy's …
"The Orthodox Church: New Edition" by Timothy Ware (Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia) is a book of vast scope and earnest hopes. The book is probably one of the best introductions to Orthodox Christianity for both Orthodox and non-Orthodox readers. His work, while heavily steeped in Orthodox tradition, is a well-researched, well-constructed, and detailed examination of a religious world little examined in the West. Ware divides his examination into two parts: Part I explores the history of the Orthodox church. The main thrust of this part is to explain the evolution of Orthodoxy, the historical basis for beliefs, and, perhaps on the mind of most readers, why exactly there was a split between East and West. I rather enjoyed this section, finding this alternative history of Christendom to be enlightening. While sometimes dragging in places this part give the reader a good, overall introduction that is willing to engage with Orthodoxy's flaws as well as its strengths. Part II tries to explain Orthodox religious practices, including beliefs about the Trinity, the Church, and worship. This section was more obtuse that section one and meandered from place to place. The material gets into heavy theology which may not be appealing for most readers. But what makes Ware's book so interesting when it comes to theology is that he attempts to explain why Orthodoxy holds such beliefs clearly in precise language. Overall, the book is geared towards laying the groundwork for a re-conception of Orthodoxy for modernity and shows many interesting places where Orthodoxy can serve as a bridge for the rest of the Christian world. A new way to look at Christianity, steeped in a long chain of tradition, can serve as a strong basis for dialogue. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, this book is second to none.
