Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers

by Stanley S. Harakas

Good practical information, indexed for easy reference.

354 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1988

Reviews

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It covers a wide range of topics, and I found it very useful, particularly as I'm new to Orthodoxy. The alphabetical arrangement was very helpful for navigation and locating specific issues that I wanted to learn more about. However, it is dated and a little more specific to Greek Orthodoxy as opposed to just Orthodoxy in general (though the difference isn't huge). I would love to see an updated version that touches on current issues and has a broader, pan-Orthodox approach.

[James Hansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a Christian but not Orthodox, and a friend lent me this book to gain an understanding of the Orthodox Church's beliefs. While many of the answers were Biblically based, too many of them were just the author's own personal beliefs, and others were just undeniably incorrect. For example, in question #408 "Can a person be saved outside of the Orthodox church" his answer is "If we wish to be fully confident of salvation, identification with that Church, not just formally, but totally, in heart, soul and mind, seems to be called for... Believing in an Orthodox manner, worshipping in an Orthodox manner, behaving in an Orthodox manner, gives us assurance of our salvation and growth in the Lord." The REAL answer: Salvation is based only on the belief that "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) - NOT joining a specific church. Another smaller gripe was that obviously the Bible doesn't mention every single topic that could be brought up in 21st century, so when the author talks about being against stuff like organ donations I'm like, come on man, it's ok to say the Bible doesn't mention modern medical inventions, just say that instead of making yourself look ignorant - "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues" (Proverbs 17:28)

[Lance Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty useful tool. I read the 6th version so maybe it's revised but ROCOR is canonical now

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH: 455 Questions and Answers is a collection of questions which appeared in the "Religious Question Box" column in the Hellenic Chronicle from 1980 to 1985. The questions answered range the gamut from difficult theological questions like original sin and the second coming, to explanations of ritual like censing and blessing with water, to everyday matters of our society such as rock music, sex, and politics. Some of the letters are written in a very eccentric manner, but the authors of the column are always able to answer even the most badly-phrased question with a patient and comprehensive answer.

The Hellenic Chronicle is, of course, a Greek newspaper and much of the commentary here is dedicated toward a Greek Orthodox audience. I was unhappy with the rather rude treatment of the Orthodox Church in America (making it seem like a hardly-significant Russian denomination). What limits the book, however, isn't a denominational bias, but rather a focus on helping cradle Orthodox understand the faith they grew up in. There is little focus on the questions converts have and the difficulties they face. Indeed, the entries here were written before the massive influx of people leaving evangelical Protestantism for Orthodoxy in the late 1980s, and so it lacks the helpful tone that many introductory publications from other presses offer. The book can be useful for people new to Orthodoxy, but should really serve as support to other materials. If you are a total neophyte, start with Timothy Ware's already classic THE ORTHODOX CHURCH.

[Starboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with probably 95% things listed ☦️