Ask for the Ancient Paths: Discovering What Church Is Meant to Be

by James Guirguis

At a time when so many disaffected Christians are trying to recreate the Church from scratch, Fr. James offers a clear and accessible apology for simply returning to what Christ s Church was always meant to be.

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2013

Reviews

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant mostly for someone interested in converting to the Orthodox faith, this is still a very good and engaging read. I read it in about 3 hours as I am a very slow reader, but the entire time the book offered me interesting questions and trains of thought that I took to my own faith as a Catholic. Some parts seemed to ignore the entire Catholic Faith and also seemed to act as if the Orthodox faith was the hip thing for people who really want to get into heaven, though not really.

All in all, it was a great read and highly recommended to anyone interested in learning a bit more about the Orthodox faith, although I'm sure there are much better and more comprehensive sources out there.

[Sarah Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for someone who has a Protestant background who is curious about the Orthodox Church. This is an introduction to the faith, teachings and sacraments. A good place to start, very short and easy to read.

[Jason Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answers my difficult questions

I have had questions about how we “do church” in the west. I belong to the evangelical community. This book has opened my eyes to many of the misunderstandings I had about Orthodoxy and it tackles scriptures that I have not found good answers to inside the Protestant faith. I really liked the red pill reference too. I’m at the very beginning of exploring orthodoxy but, the more I read the more it seems to fit. Will be attending a Divine Liturgy this Sunday (God willing) for the first time!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an quick and easy read coming from a Protestant evangelical background. It covered everything well. My only complaint is the tone felt somewhat dismissive and combative. I was already convinced Orthodoxy is for me, but I would not recommend this to someone who might feel a little afraid of Orthodoxy. If you can read it as an invitation, it’s worthwhile.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly a fascinating and insightful read on Orthodoxy. Of course, coming from a Protestant background and current situation, I didn’t come to all the same conclusions! But I found it helpful and and thought provoking. Will prompt further contemplation and research on some topics.

[Heather Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for traditional Protestants or evangelicals who are curious about the basics of the Orthodox faith. It’s a down-to-earth, practical, and easy-to-understand introduction to the doctrines and practices of the ancient church.

[Lydia Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Simple yet effective. I enjoyed the biblical references and early church references to back up the Orthodox beliefs on things regarding sacraments, worship, salvation, etc. A must read for any Protestant looking into Orthodoxy.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, straightforward book for those new to Orthodox Christianity or wanting to know more about it. It has a lot of information in few pages, but is not overwhelming. Will definitely recommend!

[elora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent introductory/cursory into the Orthodox Christian faith. I particularly found the chapter on confession very good. I'm eager to speak with my Spiritual Father more on this!☦️

[a_sonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about half of the book, mostly because I have read other books that cover the same information. But for someone new to Orthodoxy, this is a great choice for a first book.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for new catechumen

You can tell the author really understands what the evangelical experience is like in America and he comes from a very loving patient but firm when necessary standpoint. I read it once early on in my inquirer stage and now once again as I near the end of my catechumen stage and I got a bunch of value out of it each time.