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Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers
Good practical information, indexed for easy reference.
354 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 29, 2019
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.
September 27, 2017
Pretty useful tool. I read the 6th version so maybe it's revised but ROCOR is canonical now
July 20, 2007
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.
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.
February 12, 2025
I agree with probably 95% things listed ☦️
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews