Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective [Paperback]

Daniel B. Clendenin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003

In this reliable, fair, and engaging survey, Daniel Clendenin introduces Protestants to Eastern Orthodox history and theology with the hope that the two groups will come to see their traditions as complementary and learn to approach one another with a "hermeneutic of love" that fosters "mutual respect, toleration, and even support."

Eastern Orthodox Christianity introduces the two faiths to one another, sorting out views that separate them and identifying common ground.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Daniel B. Clendenin (Ph.D., Drew University) works with Intervarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries at Stanford University. He previously served as visiting professor of Christian studies at Moscow State University.

About the Author

Daniel B. Clendenin (Ph.D., Drew University) works with Intervarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries at Stanford University. He previously served as visiting professor of Christian studies at Moscow State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic; 2 edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801026520
• ISBN-13: 978-0801026522
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #766,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A View from the West, May 18, 2000

By 

Stephen M. Adams (Aurora, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective (Paperback)

Dan Clendenin does a great job in evaluating and presenting the doctrines of Orthodox Christianity from an "outsiders" point of view. Although an outsider, he is certainly no stranger to Orthodoxy, having spent many years in Russia, serving as a visiting professor of Christianity at Moscow State University. Clendenin provides clear, concise discussion of Orthodoxy and presents it quite fairly.

In one sense, this is no surprise, for according to an article he wrote in Christianity Today, he nearly converted to Orthodoxy, recognizing in it much to be admired. In the end, though, he decided to stay with his "evangelical distinctives."

If you are looking for a solid, balanced and fair analysis of the Orthodox Church from someone who has neither a standard to bear nor an axe to grind, this is it! I strongly recommend this book to any student of the Church, student of theology, and anyone who is just plain interested in the Orthodox Church.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good starting point for western readers, December 27, 2000

By 

Lauren Holmes - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective (Paperback)

Clendenin does a remarkably even-handed job presenting an introduction to the Orthodox faith. He isn't Orthodox himself, nor is he from an Eastern culture, but he has obviously kept an open mind during his travels to Russia, from which he has drawn nearly all his insights. The only major drawback to the book stems from this: Clendenin is limited by focusing so heavily on his experience with the Orthodox church in Russia, which has a distinctive set of circumstances unique to itself. Anyone interested in the Orthodox faith would do well to supplement this book with others in order to gain a broader perspective. But as an introduction for Western readers, Clendenin's book is a great place to start.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No axe to grind!, November 26, 1999

By 

David M. Ruggio - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective (Paperback)

This book, although relatively short, is one of my favorites out of 40+ Christianity related books that I have read in the last two years. The title indicates the potential for a somewhat scewed (western) perspective, but this book is much more even handed than I expected. Coming from a Protestant theologian, I was surprised to find a very open minded appreciation of, and effort at understanding, such a different form of worship of and devotion to Christ. The chapter related to ecumenical concerns thrilled me as I, for the first time, read a commentary displaying a truly charitable attitude towards a denomination that is vastly different from that of the author. Carefully researched, and clearly explained, this book is a great place to start if one is interested in learning about pre-Enlightenment era Christianity in it's current form.