الطريق الأرثوذكسى

by Kallistos Ware, نصحى عبد الشهيد (translator)

This book is a general account of the doctrine, worship and life of Orthodox Christians by the author of the now classic The Orthodox Church. It raises the basic issues of theology: God is hidden yet revealed; the problem with evil; the nature of salvation; the meaning of faith; prayer; death and what lies beyond. In so doing, it helps to fill the need for modern Orthodox catechism. Yet this book is not a mere manual, a dry-as-dust repository of information. Throughout the book, Bishop Kallistos Ware shows the meaning of Orthodox doctrine for the life of the individual Christian. Doctrinal issues are seen not as abstract propositions for theological debate but as affected the whole of life.

A wealth of texts drawn from theologians and spiritual writers of all ages accompanies Bishop Kallistos' presentation. They too reveal Orthodoxy not just as a system of beliefs, practices and customs but indeed as the Way.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality, Philosophy

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia (also known by his lay name, Timothy Ware) is a titular metropolitan of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Great Britain. From 1966-2001, he was Spalding Lecturer of Eastern Orthodox Studies at Oxford University, and has authored numerous books and articles pertaining to the Orthodox Christian faith.

Reviews

[Kevin Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been an ecumenist. I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic church, and believe that every creed professing person is a member of Christ's Church. A few years back, however, I had a few realizations that changed the form of my ecumenism.

The first was the realization that sola scriptura, when seen in the ahistorical way many modern Evangelicals view it, is an untenable position.

Second, I realized that the sort of ecumenism I had developed bordered dangerously on consumerism. Denominations don't really matter, they're like fashion. I put on liturgy, you put on anabaptism and none of it matters substantially. I truly believe that ecumenism is good, but when it reduces to matters of taste, it becomes dangerously individualistic.

These two realizations led me to the third. If I am to be a serious ecumenist, and not merely one who considers the diversity of the church merely a matter of fashion, then I need to take seriously the identity and claims of the branches of the Church. Moreover, since I no could no longer hold to simplistic sola scriptura, I could no longer dismiss out of hand the claims of those branches of Christianity, namely the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, that depended upon the authority of tradition. At the same time, I was also reading much Medieval Philosophy, and beginning to see the coherence of some of the views of Roman Catholicism.

I had always thought that Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believers could very well be real Christians, just as easily as any Protestant could. However, this had always amounted to thinking they could in virtue of the fact that the core of what they believed matched what I believed. It was, in other words, a kind of patronizing ecumenism. They got in because, despite all their weird additions, they were in essence like me. Yet, both these churches claim for themselves the identity of being the one true holy, catholic and apostolic Church. The rest of us might be Christians, but we are so in virtue of being, as it were, accidental members of their faith. That's a serious claim, and I decided that if I would be a serious ecumenist, then I should give it genuine consideration.

So, on and off for the last couple of years I have been giving Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy a serious look. This has not, necessarily, been with an eye towards converting, and I highly doubt I will. On the one hand, there is something about the two churches I find highly aesthetically compelling. At times I feel like Protestantism looks like a sketch of Christianity, while Roman Catholicism looks like a detailed Renaissance painting and Eastern Orthodoxy like one of its Ikons, with all the colour and symbolism it brings. Yet, there's too much about Rome and the East that doesn't sit easy with me, their absolute rejection of a female priesthood for example, so that even if some of their claims compel me, I'm not sure I could ever align myself with them.

Still, in the end I want to seek Jesus where he may be found, and I at times I think there is something of Him in the Old High Churches that we have lost, so I continue to look at them and learn from them, and only God knows what will happen.

Researching Roman Catholicism has been relatively easy. They have many books that easily layout their views and apologetics, including their very detailed catechism. Searching this East, however, has proved more challenging. I have long desired to find a kind of Mere Christianity of Eastern Orthodoxy, and had so far come up empty. I was, thus, understandably excited to see The Orthodox Way in the list of extra readings for one of my classes, and quickly picked it up.

I am extremely happy with the book. It is beautifully written and clearly exposits the Eastern faith not merely propositionally, but as a living faith. I find that much written here I can wholeheartedly agree with, and those things that I don't agree with I at least find compelling. Most of all, the book fills me once again with wonder at God's glory and excitement about the future of my faith here on Earth, leading me in turn to fervent prayer. I have not been so wholly captivated by a work of theology since I read N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope several years ago.

As I said in my long preamble, I do not expect that I will ever go over to the East, but I am deeply grateful for this book, and it certainly gives me food for thought. If you are a Christian of any stripe, but especially one with questions about our brothers and sisters in the East, I heartily recommend a look at this book.

There is much more I could say about this book, and I may indeed write more posts on it in the future weeks reflecting on what I have read within its pages. For now though, I simply want to leave you with a glowing recommendation.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've now read Ware's The Orthodox Way three times over the last decade or so. (Something going on there?) Anyway, this time around a few things jumped out at me, or at least struck me as fresh and new with this reading. First, the title, which is sneaky smart. In the early days of the Church, Christianity was called "The Way." (I actually think there's an older Bible from the Jesus Freak days of the late 60s and 70s called the The Way.) That title itself harkens to John 14:6 ("I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). One could almost see the title as a gentle back handed slap at other Christian "Ways." But Ware is an elegant writer, and his book is not a polemic, but a positive, often beautiful one, that weaves snippets of poetry (he has very good taste there), profound sayings from various holy men and women (usually Orthodox), with what is in essence, when you look at the progression of the chapters, a kind of informal Orthodox catechism.

The largely unnamed elephant in the room is of course the Roman Catholic Church. If you know anything about the Roman Catholic Church (I do), you see the (effective) distinctions Ware makes along the way. In particular, I thought the Orthodox view of the Fall to be far more humane than the grim Augustinian view (which has also colored much of Protestantism). Ware at one point comments that the approach to the sacraments has also been impacted by this view, with over definition on the part of West, reducing them (particularly Confession) to "mechanical" exercises.

I probably am placing too much emphasis on these distinctions (though that bit about the Orthodox view of Augustine blew me away), since this book is all about the beauty and truth of Orthodoxy, and not really about tearing down other Christian groups. Ware has written another book, The Orthodox Church, which is something of a companion piece (that should probably be read first), that goes into the history of Orthodoxy. It's a good book, a bit dry, but essential. But if you want to get more to the heart of Orthodoxy, at least as I understand it as a non-Orthodox, The Orthodox Way is a wonderful place to start.

[Max Berendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute must-read for me as I am currently in the process of converting to Eastern Orthodoxy. I was already familiar with the writing of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware after reading his introductory work on the Orthodox Church. "The Orthodox Way" serves as an unmissable companion to this book.

The book is a fantastic description of the Orthodox believer's relationship to God through six different perspectives: God as Mystery, God as Trinity, God as Creator, God as Man, God as Spirit and God as Creator (As well as an epilogue: God as Eternity). Accompanied by a great multitude of citations and anecdotes from Holy Scripture, Saints and Church Fathers/Elders, it is a highly readable work for believer and lay(wo)man alike.

I felt truly strengthened and more enlightened after finishing "The Orthodox Way". I will without a doubt revisit the book over the rest of my life as I (hopefully) continue to grown in my Orthodox faith. All in all this is a must-read for every Orthodox believer, Catechumen or interested layperson!

[Donovan Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn the Heretics

Whenever my grandfather discusses Greece, he mentions his singular experience in the Greek Isles. Visiting an Orthodox Church with my grandmother, an Orthodox priest graciously administered a tour of the premises. The dialogue advanced swimmingly between the parties until the priest asked if my grandparents were Orthodox. When my grandfather admitted his Protestant roots, the priest kindly-yet-forcefully requested that my grandparents leave the church. To this day, my comprehension of the Orthodox tradition remains tainted by my grandparents’ experience.

Given my assumptions, I appreciate Bishop Kallistos Ware’s The Orthodox Way, which functions as a primer on Eastern Orthodoxy.

Orthodoxy and the Western Church: They’re Different!

While Ware explores the basic tenets of Orthodoxy in this book, I will focus on the contrasts between Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.

The first distinct difference surrounds the representation of God. Whereas Western Christianity remains wary of images, fearing the worship of idols, Orthodoxy distinctly focuses on symbolism.

“Recognizing that God is incomparably greater than anything we can say or think about him, we find it necessary to refer to him not just through direct statements but through pictures and images. Our theology is to a large extent symbolic. Yet symbols alone are insufficient to convey the transcendence and the 'otherness' of God” (14).

Recognizing the ethereal mystery of God, Orthodoxy questions the assumption that humanity can reason itself to an understanding of God. By utilizing symbols and images, the Orthodox understanding of God transcends language.

Second, Orthodoxy considers sin in different terms. Where Western traditions focus on compunction through a juridical lens, Orthodoxy views sin through a therapeutic lens.

“For the Orthodox tradition, then, Adam’s original sin affects the human race in its entirety, and it has consequences both on the physical and the moral level: it results not only in sickness and physical death, but in moral weakness and paralysis” (62).

While Western traditions steer toward sin as guilt in need of just punishment, Orthodoxy tends to consider sin in medical terms—a disease in need of a cure.

Lastly, Orthodoxy carries a high view of the Holy Spirit. Although Western traditions pay lip service to this third member of the Trinity, in practical terms, the Holy Spirit functions as a secondary member, a process proceeding from God the Father and God the Son. Not so, in Orthodoxy.

“First, the Spirit is a person… Secondly, the Spirit, as the third member of the Holy Trinity, is coequal and coeternal with the other two; he is not merely a function dependent upon them or an intermediary that they employ” (91-92).

Three Cheers for Ecumenism

A way to lead life, The Orthodox Way considers the basic tenets of Orthodox tradition. While the core principles between Western and Orthodox tradition resemble each other, Orthodoxy varies to a slight degree. But, the overarching goals remain the same. Ware writes,

“The spiritual Way is not only ecclesial and sacramental; it is also evangelical” (109).

Such sentiments can be preached in sanctuaries across the Western world. Of course, my ecumenical leanings need not be reciprocated. As my grandparents’ illustration clearly implies, Orthodoxy remains wary of the West. However, I appreciate learning about the Orthodox tradition. In many ways, Ware’s explanation of Orthodoxy aligns closely with core Western theological principles surrounding the deity of Christ, the divine nature of the Trinity, and the necessity of prayer. Even though Eastern and Western traditions vary significantly in specific theological insights, the general positions offer much to be praised.

The Orthodox Way shifts my understanding from broad stereotypes to in-depth specifics. If you possess a curiosity about the Orthodox Church, Kallistos Ware’s The Orthodox Way acts as a sterling introduction.

Originally published at http://www.wherepenmeetspaper.com

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it were possible to give this book six stars, I would. It's gotten to me rethink and reexamine a number of things about my Christian journey in this life, and see fundamental truths in Christianity from a different view --- that of the Eastern Church, a branch of Christianity that has existed little changed from its beginnings. Bishop Kallistos goes into the fundamental beliefs of Orthodox Christianity, but, unlike too many Christian theologists and academics, avoids the tendencies either to turn Christianity's vitality into something dry and mind-numbingly dull ---- or to get bogged down into arcane arguments akin to "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin". He explains these truths with a patience, clarity, and poignancy that kept me enthralled and learning throughout. This is not some dull book on theology --- it's an effective discourse on how the Orthodox Church views the Godhead, the Trinity, how they relate to each other, to nature, and to mankind and his role in these. It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to read this book, and it further confirms in my mind that my decision to pursue catechism into the Orthodox Faith is the right one.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this primarily to find out more about what (in the broadest sense) the Eastern Orthodox Church believes, and the book seems intended to be a short primer setting this out. It does this well, and in quite a devotional format. Kallistos Ware (born Timothy Ware) grew up in an English Anglican home and lectured for many years at Oxford, having studied there when CS Lewis was teaching. You can tell he is at times pitching the Orthodox 'Way' to an Anglo-Saxon / Protestant readership, which was interesting and resonated with me.

For me as an Evangelical / Baptist-ish Protestant, there was theology I could wholeheartedly agree with in this book but unsurprisingly also many elements which I couldn't support or feel comfortable with eg. Assumption of Mary, the role of Mystics and 'Holy Fools', and a (strangely reasoned) emphasis on worship of God through ikons and nature. That said, much of the writing on the Trinity and Incarnation was beautiful and warmed my heart. It certainly made me curious to read more about Church History and the decisions of the early Church Councils. It also helped clarify some differences between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy that I'd never understood before. Well worth a careful read.

[Marcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orthodox Way is personable, poetic, and theologically rich. This is altogether consonant with the author's own life and following of 'the Way'. I met him once in London and he was a delight. Although I am not Eastern Orthodox, for various theological reasons, and although I disagree with him about universal salvation and a few major points, I won't fault his quest or his research (just have a look at his references). This is a good read for any Christian, and we can appreciate our own traditions more - informed by eastern Christianity.

[xenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No contemplation of any kind is possible without nepsis or watchfulness. I cannot contemplate either nature or God without learning to be present where I am, gathered together at this present moment, in this present place. Stop, look and listen. Such is the first beginning of contemplation. The contemplation of nature commences when I open my eyes, literally and spiritually, and start to notice the world around myself—to notice the real world, that is to say, God’s world. The contemplative is the one who, like Moses before the Burning Bush (Exod. 3:5), takes off his shoes—that is, strips himself of the deadness of familiarity and boredom—and who then recognizes that the place where he is standing is holy ground. To contemplate nature is to become aware of the dimensions of sacred space and sacred time. This material object, this person to whom I am talking, this moment of time—each is holy, each is in its own way unrepeatable and so of infinite value, each can serve as a window into eternity. And, becoming sensitive to God’s world around myself, I grow more conscious also of God’s world within myself. Beginning to see nature in God, I begin to see my own place as a human person within the natural order; I begin to understand what it is to be microcosm and mediator.”

The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware offers a beautiful, concise, and clear articulation of Orthodox theology. I appreciated his lucid explanations of the theology with which I’ve grown up but perhaps had not encountered in such straightforward, explicit form before, and certainly would not have been able to articulate as well before reading this book. I also enjoyed the book’s overall positive tone—it was written not to intentionally disparage other Christian denominations, but to offer a positive articulation of what Orthodoxy is (distinguishing it, of course, from the beliefs of the West at key moments such as the filioque, original sin, and the Immaculate Conception). I cried when reading his discussion in the section Obedient unto Death in chapter four, “God as Man,” and found profoundly moving sentences, articulations, and expressions throughout the entire book, on every page.

Overall, at around 140 pages, this book is extremely readable, and Kallistos Ware’s gift of clear, coherent, beautiful explanation makes it a deeply insightful and spiritual text that—in my opinion—elucidates the Orthodox faith, indeed the Orthodox Way. I will definitely be revisiting this frequently. 4.5/5 stars, maybe 4.75. Maybe 5.

[Jamie Grefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without being a member, I've been studying Orthodoxy for a few years now, dipping into certain thinkers and texts--The Philokalia, namely or articles by Vincent Rossi or books by Philip Sherrard--and I find this book to be the best introduction to Orthodoxy that I've read. While it is not as linear and systematic as "Orthodox Dogmatic Theology," that is not its aim. Its aim, I feel, is to give the reader a more poetic and lived experience of Orthodoxy while presenting certain overriding Orthodox beliefs and how they are to be interpreted on the Way. Ware is obviously a believer and a brilliant mind and scholar to boot. If you are interested in Orthodoxy (as I am) or are already there, I recommend this book as a good learning tool.

[Jose Ovalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a Reformed Presbyterian, I can appreciate some Eastern Orthodox spirituality. Also, as someone that strives for catholicity, I try to appreciate what I can from other traditions- I just don’t agree with the Churches self understanding or overall theology. That’s pretty much not changed after reading this book. Highlights of this book (and the tradition) are it’s deep trinitarianism, man as Eucharistic animal, and it’s reading the Bible with the Church. On that last point, this book is so full of ancient church and contemporary Christian quotes it felt like Ware was in dialogue w them, I love that. Great stuff. Also, Wares explanation of the “He descended into hell” part of the creed and the Sons relationship to the Spirit were worth reading the whole book for. However, the cons are pretty big. Rejection of original sin (how the EO understanding of sin is not pelagian, I’m not sure) perfectionism this side of the eschaton, no justification language in favor of cooperation with God are some pretty huge (❗️) cons.


4 stars for the straightforward explanation of the orthodox tradition, but I would probably grade it differently in assessing the points.

[Hannah Pelaez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried my best to take my time with this but ended up devouring it. This book really was the best intro for my questions of God and religion as a whole. Why, how, and where do I go from here. Many of them were answered, or at least nurtured & acknowledged, but there are some that just can’t be answered- and with those, I am starting to find peace, thanks to this book.

Along with the help of some dear friends and the insight gained from this book, I decided to find a local Orthodox Church and begin Catechism classes. I’m excited to start this journey back to God & religion but this time with only having love (not guilt) be there in the church.

[Matthew McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written book that explores core truths of the Christian faith, which, ultimately, is all about God. While meant to give an account of the teachings of the Orthodox Church in particular, The Orthodox Way is illuminating and enriching for Christians of any tradition.

Let me share one quote: “Never, in all eternity, shall we reach a point where we have accomplished all that there is to do, or discovered all that there is to know. ‘Not only in this present age but also in the Age to come,’ says St Irenaeus, ‘God will always have something more to teach man, and man will always have something more to learn from God.’”

[George Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب رائع يحمل خلاصة التعليم الارثوذكسي
Highly recommended

[Wyatt Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent dive into Orthodox mystic theology and Christology. Definitely captures the spirit of Orthodoxy in a way that “The Orthodox Church” falls short, though both are certainly useful and equalize each other.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time reading and I remember that the first time it was like drinking from a firehose. This time it felt more manageable, but no less profound. Wonderful reminder of the holistic approach of Orthodoxy and how to immerse ourselves in it.

[Ehab Anis · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب "الطريق الارثوذكسى" هو كتاب يدعوك فيه الأب كاليستوس وير الى مصاحبته والسير معه فى رحلة ممتعة فى طريق الارثوذكسية ولن تكونا وحدكما بل سيصحبكما رفيقا ثالثا وهو الله نفسه. بعد كل فصل سيظهر لك روعة الارثوذكسية وجمال اللاهوت الشرقى فى فهم الله. كتاب قيم اشكر الله على تدبير قراءته لفهم اكثر لارثوذكسية اعمق لم اسبر غورها بعد. شكر خاص لبيت التكريس و د/ نصحى عبد الشهيد لاختياره الموفق فيما يجب ترجمته.

[Adonis McReynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall an okay read but a bit too loose with Orthodox teaching imho. A bit too much quoting of non-saints and a section which teaches the literal forsaking of the Son by the Father which creates a Trinitarian issue of the Son and Father being split. Wouldnt recommend for catechumen only Orthodox Christians who are discerning enough to pick out the bones and eat the good meat which there was some but not enough for me to rate higher.

[Giovanni Del Piero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this book is good. It gives a solid introduction into various aspects of Orthodox theology and emphasizes the main purpose of the Orthodox prayer life, use of iconography, etc.

That said, I had some issues with the book. The biggest of these was the underlying rejection of most, if not all, western theology, particularly of Augustine. This is common among many in Orthodox circles today, with the narrative being that the West’s entire theological framework is responsible for the West’s decline. Though Ware is more charitable than some, this type of criticism could be refashioned to be used against the Orthodox. It is no secret that the East has been theologically stagnant for sometime now, while in the West, Catholics, Anglicans, and Calvinists have produced great scholarship on theology, church history, and scripture. Additionally, though its not always the case, Ware never brings a response to common criticisms of Orthodoxy, one of them being that its an “ethnic club” for only those of the nationality of their respective Church (Greek, Russian, Serbian, etc). Its common place that many in the West who convert to Orthodoxy not only have to abandon much of their Western theology, but must also adopt many of the cultural customs of the community they choose to join.

This is the main reason why not only could I not see myself converting to Orthodoxy, but why I have also begun to distance myself from the Eastern Catholic Churches as well. Though I greatly appreciate icons and the use of the Jesus prayer rope, I am a western Christian at heart; I couldn’t abandon those foundations to join the Eastern Orthodox. Nor can I hold these views simultaneously while worshiping in an Eastern Catholic Church. It feels unnatural to uphold such contrasting worldviews. At the end of the day, Eastern Catholics are merely Eastern Orthodox who swear loyalty to the Pope. I cannot venerate eastern saints like Gregory Palmas- which the Eastern Catholics allow and whom John Paul 2 called a saint in his works- when he was outspoken in his criticism of the pope, the Filioque, and western theology as a whole. The Easterns can maintain their rites, but I simply wouldn’t feel at home.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kallistos Ware is a great writer. Anyone who is interested in learning about Orthodoxy should read him. The Orthodox don't have many universally defined "dogmas." They don't have a formal catechism. That is, apart from the first 7 ecumenical councils. This book does not necessarily represent Orthodoxy on every point because Orthodoxy is nuanced. You'll get different answers wherever you go. That can be viewed as a bad thing, but it really isn't. It means they are dynamic and flexible, sort of like wisdom.

This book serves as a great overview of the Orthodox Way. I highly recommend that every Christian read this with an open mind seeking to understand before being understood.

[Ida]

En fin bok! Passar bra som lite intro till den ortodoxa världen, även om det märks att Kallistos Ware hör till de mer västerländsk ortodoxa. Gillade speciellt kapitlet om bön och det sista kapitlet om framtiden. Synen på kroppen genom hela boken var också intressant och ofta bra enligt mig, så tar med mig formuleringar kring det temat.

”Människan räddas inte undan sin kropp utan i den, inte undan den materiella världen utan med den”

[Lyndsey Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Such is the effect of coming face to face with the living mystery of God: we are assailed by dizziness; all the familiar footholds vanish, and there seems nothing for us to grasp; our inward eyes are blinded, our normal assumptions shattered.”

[Reed Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, full of spiritual knowledge. An essential book for somebody new to Holy Orthodoxy.

[kyle scholten · Rating 4 out of 5]

a dense, yet accessible overview full of (my yellow) highlights/points of reference to return to as need be. can’t ask for much more at this stage in the game.

[Jeff Rickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opening book that reveals historic Christianity in all its glory, before the Great Schism of 1054. Most in the West have little knowledge of the intricacies of the Faith (here always referred to simply as The Way, as it was called in the New Testament) of the ancient times because we have been so greatly impacted by the Schism. Protestantism is nothing more than a reaction to the claims of unilateral authority given to the Pope, yet this is not how the ancient Church functioned.

It is not only about function, which is a very bottom up and top down scheme where Bishop, Presbyter (unfortunately shortened to Priest over the centuries), Deacon, and Laity are dependent on each other for mutual oversight in the body, but also about how we interact with God and, more importantly, how He interacts with us.

This is a book that strongly refutes concepts of Calvinism and even Sola Sciptura - but it does so understanding that the Church produced The Bible, not visa versa. In many ways, Scripture is more greatly revered because it is understood that it came to us through God's preserved Church.

The Orthodox claim that they have preserved the Apostolic Faith and have also preserved Apostolic Succession through the laying on of hands over nearly 2,000 years. This is how first and second century Christians operated - and the Didache, the earliest Christian Catechism we have from the 1st Century, would tend to agree. What did the Church look like that Jesus left? The one that HE said the gates of hell would not overcome? It looked much like the Orthodox Church we have today, operating the same way through Turkish conquest and Soviet oppression. The Church that Peter, Paul, John, Matthew, Mark, Luke, James, and so many others left is still there - not invisible but visible. And it is a striking contrast to popular Christian movements today.

[Ryan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kalistos(Timothy)Ware was recommended to me as a solid introduction to Orthodoxy. I haven't studied Orthodoxy much at all which is not good, considering the fact that I study Russia, where Orthodoxy is central to life. Ware asserts that Christianity is a path along which we journey. I love this idea. He further asserts that we must have companions and signposts(events to look back on) along the way. "Each of us is called to verify for himself what he has been taught and live the tradition." "God has children but no grandchildren." "God cannot be grasped by the human mind. If he could he would not be God" - Evagrius of Pontus "Man is made in God's image the reverse is not true"-- This quote is so true and it's important to remember. "Advancing along the way God is evermore intimate and evermore distant" -- also very true. A mystery is something revealed for our understanding. We can never completely understand it because it leads to the depth or darkness of God. I'm more and more intrigued by the mystery of mystery. "The act of faith is a constant dialogue with doubt." --- It's good to know that I'm not the only one that feels this way most times. God created the world not out of obligation but because he wanted to, because he loves us. I love Ware's distinction between the image and the likeness of God: "The image is man's potentiality for life in God" "The likeness of God is the realization of that potentiality" The first is for earth. The second is for heaven. "The only secure basis for a doctrine of human dignity and liberty is the belief that, truly, all people are made in God's image." "On Friday, the victory of the crucifixion is hidden, on Sunday, it is revealed." This life has been given to you for repentance. Do not waste it on other things. - St. Isaac the Syrian Get this book. You won't regret it.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so accessible to people who want to learn more about Orthodoxy but are outside of the Orthodox tradition, like myself (a former evangelical, sometimes liturgical, though rarely church-attending Protestant).
Above all things, the book gave me great hope. Over the past few years, I took a brief foray into the writing of "emergent church" thinkers like Brian McLaren, but always ended with this strange feeling that they were trying to reinvent the wheel. But at the same time, the popularity of the movement speaks to a very real growing disillusionment among Protestant Christians that can't be dismissed.
The hope I found was the discovery of a tradition that offers alternative beliefs to many of the uneasy aspects of Protestantism, and Western theology in general (many of which put people off Christianity for life), such as beliefs about original sin, conversion, mystical experience, heaven and hell, and salvation.
Ware writes simply, and though his critiques of Western theology are illuminating, they are never condescending. Among quotes from church fathers, he even throws in C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Dostoevsky, making me feel that I am not as estranged from this tradition as I had previously thought.

[NanoCyborg]

No review because I didn't finish it. I probably won't end up reading this for a long time due to the recent comments on gay marriage by the author Met. Kallistos Ware. It wasn't the comments that made me weary of reading this, but stuff I learned by those that were already distrustful of him. Met. Ware apparently makes crypto nestorian remarks in a few of the chapters which as a person still very new into the theology of Orthodoxy I'd rather not read and get influenced into heresy. When I'm more theologically sound I will definitely visit this.

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and exquisite distillation of basic Eastern Orthodox belief and spirituality (or, I would argue, "orthodox," as there are definite affinities between Orthodoxy and other Christian traditions and theologies such as Arminianism). Kallistos Ware frequently gleans wisdom from past saints such as the Church Fathers and modern theologians. Highly recommended!

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, pastoral, overview. Steers clear of controversial doctrines and focuses on the spirituality of Orthodoxy.

[Sincerae Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the catechumen class at the Orthodox church that I attend. This book talks about the more mystical side of the Christian faith which is found in Orthodox Christianity.