The Faith: Understanding Orthodox Christianity

by Clark Carlton

The best single-volume introduction to Orthodoxy in the English language. The Faith is a beautifully written book that truly answers the question, What is it than you Orthodox believe? Perfect for inquirers and study groups, high school age and up

Genres: Religion, Christian, Christianity, Theology, Faith, Spirituality

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from a historical Protestant upbringing, yet starting to become aware of the foundations of our faith, this book was like a cold drink on a hot day. It was, to say the least, an eye-opener.

The points of theology and doctrine promoted were rich and deep, while the back drop and history of it was compelling. Like any work of doctrine, I have my issues with it, but I have never read a more efficient panoramic synopsis (if I can use that oxymoron) than this.

Carlton does a great job at singling out and expounding on the basic elements of the historic faith with enough detail to quench most inquiry, yet with enough left masked to leave you hungery.

If you are Orthodox, then I offer a strong recommendation to you. If you are still up to your neck in Evangelical Protestantism, I would still recommend it to you, but with a word of caution: The mysticism of the life of prayer and monasticism, and the veneration of the Theotokos is beyond what you are probably comfortable with.

That said, this book will solidify your thinking on various issues, while severely challenging you on others, should you give it the opportunity.

This one will go back on my reading list.

[Philip Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is considered the best English Catechism for the Orthodox faith and I can easily see why. Clark Carlton is a great writer in that he can cover very complicated and deep concepts with a great deal fewer words then I feel most would, leaving little to no confusion on any matter. I took a great amount of knowledge from this book and have cited it many times since to explaining things about the Orthodox beliefs. I would recommend this writing to anyone who is considering a conversion or simply wants to know why someone would consider doing so. It's not long, and it's not offensive.

[Aubrey Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really sure how to rate this book. I think there are key elements to Christianity and who God is that the author got right, and many (less key? Not sure) things he got wrong. I'm giving it 3.5 rounded down for now. Maybe I'll change my mind on the rating later.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to understand the Orthodox Faith. There's a lot of misunderstandings (or you prefer to use the word misconception) of their beliefs among the Protestants. Give them a chance and learn. It is not for an advance readers. It's really not that hard to learn, if you're open to it

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for anyone enquiring about the Orthodox Church

This is by far the best book I’ve read about the Orthodox Church. I am newly converted and found this book so helpful. I will read it again and again as I mature in my faith.

[Jacob MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A surprisingly thorough and quick explanation of core Orthodox doctrine. It works well indeed as a catechism. There's a just-so tone to much of the book which overflows into straight-up sloppiness in certain interludes.

[A.R. Gaspard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and solid introduction into the Orthodox world!

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for learning the Orthodox Faith.

[Kelsey]

Edifying and informative. I am not Orthodox, but will say I agree with a huge majority of what the Orthodox Church teaches. There is so much to be learned from this tradition, and I will say that Orthodox materials are leading me towards a more intentional life of contemplation and towards a focus on the ancient beliefs I confirm. It is a breath of fresh air to read perspectives that affirm what I have known and believed in my heart but have not seen affirmed in the same way in nondenominational evangelicalism.

Carlton is obviously a very black-and-white thinker, and there were a few places I thought he went too far with his assertions. I am sure he would tell me that with Orthodoxy you are all in or all out, and if I am going to remain a Protestant there isn’t much point in reading his book, as I now presumably have a greater burden to respond to the truth. However, I disagree. I certainly got something out of the book— namely, a greater understanding of church history and Orthodoxy, and an interest in patristic theology. The essential tenets of Orthodoxy as regarding the nature of God, the Trinity, etc are spot on and I wrote down so much of this catechism to refer to later. All in all, it made me think and I would recommend it.

[Leo and Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and friendly topical summary of Orthodox beliefs to whet the appetite for lifetime of further study. I particularly enjoyed his conclusion chapter and his helpful recommended readings categorized by experience level.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good comprehensive look at the beliefs of the Orthodox Church that helped me to decide whether I wanted to be a part of it.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple, straight-forward, to the point. good info. found myself nodding my head in agreement the whole time...

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best introduction to the Orthodox Church.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has some stridency, but all in all a good introduction or refresher book. I enjoyed.

[Nathan Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous introduction to the Orthodox Faith. Immensely informative, highly readable, and comprehensive. High recommendation.

[Adam Hildebrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple read expressing the faith of the Orthodox Church, I find Prof. Carlton has a way of making things very easy to understand, without cheapening the Theology he is explaining.