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The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity Paperback – October 6, 2015

by Timothy Ware (Author)

268 ratings

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The readable, deeply authoritative and bestselling book on the Orthodox Church, in a fully updated and revised Third Edition.

'Orthodoxy claims to be universal . . .'
Since its first publication fifty years ago, Timothy Ware's book has become established throughout the English-speaking world as the standard introduction to the Orthodox Church. Orthodoxy continues to be a subject of enormous interest among western Christians, and the author believes that an understanding of its standpoint is necessary before the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches can be reunited. In this revised and updated edition he explains the Orthodox views on such widely ranging matters as Ecumenical Councils, Sacraments, Free Will, Purgatory, the Papacy and the relation between the different Orthodox Churches.

Print length

368 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Penguin Books
Publication date

October 6, 2015
Dimensions

7.9 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
ISBN-10

014198063X
ISBN-13

978-0141980638
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

TIMOTHY WARE, His Excellency the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, was Spalding Lecturer of Eastern Orthodox Studies at Oxford University until his retirement in 2001.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; 3rd Revised edition (October 6, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 014198063X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0141980638
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #74,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #23 in Christian Orthodoxy (Books)
- #311 in History of Christianity (Books)
- #326 in Christian Church History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
268 ratings

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2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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C.J.S. Hayward

The dear, dear Metropolitan is going liberal in his old age!

Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2020

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On the topic of contraception, The Orthodox Church was clear in its 1963 first edition: "Artificial methods of birth control are forbidden."

Since then there has been a change in fashion.

Now His Eminence has revised the text in The Orthodox Church to something longer: "Concerning contraceptives and other forms of birth control, differing opinions exist within the Orthodox Church. In the past birth control was in general strongly condemned, but today a less strict view is coming to prevail, not only in the West but in traditional Orthodox countries. Many Orthodox theologians and spiritual fathers consider that the responsible use of contraception within marriage is not in itself sinful. In their view, the question of how many children a couple should have, and at what intervals, is best decided by the partners themselves, according to the guidance of their own consciences."

What has changed in 30 years is not the Orthodox Church. It is just the Metrapolitan, and the book called, "The Orthodox Church."

"The Orthodox Church" may be the standard English language introduction to Orthodoxy, but there are things in it that make me really wince. It's not really just contraception.

C.J.S. Hayward
Author, Orthodoxy and Contraception , a book that looks at optimum sex (and other things).

22 people found this helpful

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Ccalex6

An essential read to understand the essence of Eastern Christianity

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021

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As an Eastern Orthodox Christian in the US, I am part of the 1%. Not THAT 1%, sadly, but the 1% of Christians in the US who are baptized and practicing Eastern Orthodox Christians. Western Christians know little to nothing about the Eastern Church - Protestants think we're "basically Catholic" and Catholics think we're just another denomination that rebelled from Rome like their Protestant brethren. To help right these common ignorances, I always urge my Protestant and Catholic friends to read this book. It's digestible, educational, and can be relatable to the common man. Ware does not bash other denominations, but rather, presents historical and theological evidence of the Eastern Church's apostolic, liturgical, and sacramental legitimacy. Finally, I also believe that every Orthodox Christian should read this book to fully understand where their church comes from.

10 people found this helpful

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James E.

Well-written history

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2019

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"The Orthodox Church" provides a nicely detailed and well written history of the Christian Orthodox church including where Catholicism split and the subsequent churches thereafter. Also included in this book is the more modern history of the church, such as state conversions and revolutions, etc.

9 people found this helpful

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KSD

A Very Well Presented Book!

Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2016

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If you are wondering about the Eastern Orthodox Church, this is THE book for you.
It explains the history and dogma of this very interesting, to me, religion.
The Orthodox Church is not Roman Catholicism without the Pope.
This well written book explains that in great detail.
I feel enlightened.
Thanks.

24 people found this helpful

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Jeff

Excellent introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy

Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019

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I can't imagine a better or more thorough overview of the Orthodox Church, especially for someone like me, who was familiar only with Catholicism. The author puts everything in thoroughly readable language, and provided sufficient information to prepare me for my first visit to an Orthodox Church with little fear. Highly recommended!

8 people found this helpful

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Jason Petersen

A Concise Overview of the Orthodox Faith

Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2021

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Timothy Ware's book covers a variety of aspects of the Orthodox both within its theology, its history, and its interactions with and views of Christians that are not Orthodox. At the end of the book, Ware also includes recommended reading to delve more deeply into the subjects that he covers. As an Orthodox catechumen, this book helped me obtain a broad understanding of the Orthodox faith. The book is well written and easy to follow and it is beneficial both for lay people and those of us with more academic aspirations who are in the beginning stages of approaching the Orthodox Faith.

One person found this helpful

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jboy

A Sort of Old Book On A Very Old Church

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018

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This book is an authoritative introduction to the Orthodox Church, its history, its ancient liturgy, its organization and culture.

It is written by a Bishop of that church and is sensitive to what a typical English language reader would need to be introduced to. The author is English, by the way. It isn't a new book, but the Orthodox Church doesn't change very much every few centuries :)

9 people found this helpful

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Tom L.

Best intro book

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2018

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Very well written. Throughly research, but presented in clear and understandable langauge, it can be a quick read. Perfect introduction to the orthodox church

7 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

This is an excellent introduction to the Eastern Orthodox Churches

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2017

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This is an excellent introduction to the Eastern Orthodox Churches. It has been revised and is very clear and concise. As a Catholic myself I was struck by what Catholics and the orthodox churches have in common and that they are very close in doctrines especially about the Holy Eucharist. However there are still outstanding differences which will have be dealt with before there is a full reunion of these two ancient churches. I highly recommend this book by timothy ware.

3 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

It gives a good overview of Orthodox Christianity (OC)

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2017

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It gives a good overview of Orthodox Christianity (OC). I had no idea about OC. But now I know at least the historical background of it and its theology. So it is a good introduction to people who need fundamental knowledge of OC.
The theology part could have been more elaborated so that I could learn a bit more.
I am an evangelical Christian, holding many different views from OC. However, I think the value of church history would benefit individual Christian if they truly understand it. I also think there is a trend that the edge of denominations is getting blurred. there is a chance that Christians of different background could learn from each other after overcoming biases.

5 people found this helpful

RosyK

Detailed look at the Eastern Orthodox Church

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2018

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Love this book. It's easy to read for interest or serious study. By the end of the book, you will want to find out more. Ware was ordained an Orthodox priest, so he writes with a bias towards his church, but still fascinating.

One person found this helpful

Chris X

As an Orthodox Christian I thank you

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2021

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Wonderful book