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The Faith: Understanding Orthodox Christianity
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
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 7, 2011
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.
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.
November 15, 2009
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.
February 9, 2023
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.
January 25, 2024
Required reading for my Catechumenate. The book quickly summarizes the Church's view in short chapters. With the amount of Catechumens at St. Andrew I am surprised this book doesn't have more reviews!
Much I was already familiar with but always good to hear it again.
The significance of the Godhead being a Trinity and thus the Christian life being one of constant community without becoming individualistic or collectivistic was interesting. And pointing out that we are people defined by our relation to others and so individualistic and collectivistic theories both miss the point. That was probably by biggest take away.
The Church began at Pentecost with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Marriage is for both spouses to lose themselves. The wife by submitting to the husband and the husband by sacrificing for the family. In the West you always hear the first but not the second part.
Men represent God and Women the earth and creation. The fall came through Eve as creation fell but was redeemed by a new Eve and will result in a new creation. This is why God is not a woman and women cannot be Priests.
Revelation is a confusing book and not read during Liturgy. However the Church knows that Christ will return physically and only the Father knows when this will happen. Those claiming to know just confess their narcissism. When He returns he will sit as judge. Christs kingdom will have no end. Before this happens though there will be a great falling away and things will get worse and the Antichrist will come and do many miracles that will deceive the faithful.
Much I was already familiar with but always good to hear it again.
The significance of the Godhead being a Trinity and thus the Christian life being one of constant community without becoming individualistic or collectivistic was interesting. And pointing out that we are people defined by our relation to others and so individualistic and collectivistic theories both miss the point. That was probably by biggest take away.
The Church began at Pentecost with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Marriage is for both spouses to lose themselves. The wife by submitting to the husband and the husband by sacrificing for the family. In the West you always hear the first but not the second part.
Men represent God and Women the earth and creation. The fall came through Eve as creation fell but was redeemed by a new Eve and will result in a new creation. This is why God is not a woman and women cannot be Priests.
Revelation is a confusing book and not read during Liturgy. However the Church knows that Christ will return physically and only the Father knows when this will happen. Those claiming to know just confess their narcissism. When He returns he will sit as judge. Christs kingdom will have no end. Before this happens though there will be a great falling away and things will get worse and the Antichrist will come and do many miracles that will deceive the faithful.
April 2, 2013
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
January 18, 2026
Amazing concise catechism of the Orthodox faith. The author brings your knowledge to test by quizzing the reader at the end of each chapter. This catechism allows the reader to grasp a basic understanding of the nearly incomprehensible faith of the Chalcedonian Orthodox Church. I vouch this book to anyone who seeks to truly understand.
August 11, 2026
A great book for Catechesis of the Orthodox faith. This book was recommended to me by priest for catechism class and I am grateful that this was the book that was chosen.
For anyone new to Orthodoxy, Carlton gives a great overview on Orthodox life and theology. This helped me immensely in understanding aspects of the faith that I may have missed when initially inquiring.
My only suggestion would be that if you are inquiring into Orthodoxy, it would be wiser to take a good amount of time to go through the reflections in the book, especially with a priest. Parts of Orthodox theology can be intellectually daunting, especially for someone from a evangelical background.
A lot of the depth surrounding things like the incarnation, the veneration and importance of the Theotokos/mariology, ecclesiology, etc. can be a lot to wrap one’s head around if not familiar with these subjects.
For anyone new to Orthodoxy, Carlton gives a great overview on Orthodox life and theology. This helped me immensely in understanding aspects of the faith that I may have missed when initially inquiring.
My only suggestion would be that if you are inquiring into Orthodoxy, it would be wiser to take a good amount of time to go through the reflections in the book, especially with a priest. Parts of Orthodox theology can be intellectually daunting, especially for someone from a evangelical background.
A lot of the depth surrounding things like the incarnation, the veneration and importance of the Theotokos/mariology, ecclesiology, etc. can be a lot to wrap one’s head around if not familiar with these subjects.
May 9, 2019
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.
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.
January 20, 2022
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.
March 9, 2023
Excellent and solid introduction into the Orthodox world!
July 24, 2024
Great resource for learning the Orthodox Faith.
July 6, 2026
Informative.
Read
August 20, 2020Edifying 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.
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.
April 12, 2013
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.
July 17, 2008
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.
April 14, 2010
simple, straight-forward, to the point. good info. found myself nodding my head in agreement the whole time...
December 4, 2014
Not the best introduction to the Orthodox Church.
July 30, 2011
it has some stridency, but all in all a good introduction or refresher book. I enjoyed.
September 5, 2012
Fabulous introduction to the Orthodox Faith. Immensely informative, highly readable, and comprehensive. High recommendation.
September 29, 2013
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.
December 13, 2024
Great overview of the faith. Explains complex concepts in a pretty easy-to-understand way
March 15, 2026
Concise, good formatting, and intelligible even for those with little to no foreknowledge.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews