A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology: Introducing Beliefs and Practices

by Eve Tibbs, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Foreword)

Eve Tibbs offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the beliefs and practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church for Western readers. Tibbs has devoted her career to translating the Orthodox faith to an evangelical audience and has over twenty years of experience teaching this material to students. Assuming no prior knowledge of Orthodox theology, this survey covers the basic ideas of Eastern Orthodox Christianity from its origins at Pentecost to the present day.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian, Christianity, History, Faith, Nonfiction

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. It originated from a course that the author teaches on Eastern Orthodox Theology to a classroom of mostly Western Protestant students. It is a good introduction to Westerners about the enigma of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout the book Tibbs distinguishes some of the differences between the Eastern and Western church, such as the Eastern Orthodox being more mystical and less academic. They believe that theology is not something to be studied as it is done in the West, the Eastern Orthodox believe that theology is about contemplating the experience of God. The Eastern Orthodox Church doesn’t believe in purgatory like Catholics do, although they do include the Apocrypha in their Bible. There is no central authority in the Orthodox Church; it’s conciliar/synodal and not papal as it is in the Catholic Church. One section of the book that I found really interesting was on the Orthodox Holy Icons, also known as the visual Gospel (see the cover for an example). The book also covers how worship is conducted in the Orthodox Church which is also different from the Western Church. I’m sure that this book is just a glimpse of how the Orthodox Church operates. The only true way to know more about the Orthodox Church is to attend a service, the author encourages it, and I plan to attend one in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley, Baker Academic, and Eve Tibbs, for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on July 20, 2021.

[Michael Berra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across the author due to a podcast and then bought this book. I am glad I did. This is a helpful, easy to read introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy. I find it helpful that it is written by someone who knows the western mind and tradition and can compare different traditions from „within“. Furthermore one can appreciate the Glossary of Orthodox terms which helps defining the terms correctly (and maybe differently than within other contexts).
Up until now I knew Orthodoxy only through scattered pieces and this book helped me to get an overview, which I believe is accurate (I have to, since how else would I know ;)?). Furthermore the book confirmed what did draw me to this study in the first place: that the Theology of Orthodoxy resonates very well with what I have discovered theologically in the last 1-2 decades. Our faith and the Bible is through and through relational, leading to a all-encompassing Theology of Relationship (see my own book). It will be a pleasure to bring these two concepts in conversation in the future, while I learn more and more about Eastern Orthodoxy. Maybe this might point to future „mergers“ that promise to be very fruitful for our time and place - and our „evangelical“ challenges.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until recently Eastern Orthodoxy was for most western Christians an exotic form of Christianity that few had any real connection with. That has changed. Immigration is one of the contributors. Another contributor is the increased conversion, especially among Anglicans and evangelicals to Orthodoxy. Many are attracted to its doctrinal rootage in the ancient church. For others, it's the liturgy. Orthodoxy offers westerners a different trajectory from the one that derives largely from Augustine and his heirs, including Aquinas and the Reformers. As I've discovered there is a richness in Orthodoxy that even for those of us not ready to convert is enticing.

When I was in seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary there were just a few Orthodox folks, most of whom were converts from evangelicalism. One of those converts ended up being a beloved teacher of Greek. Those numbers have increased and actual classes are offered in Orthodoxy at Fuller and other Protestant seminaries. "A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology" by Eve Tibbs is an outgrowth of that growing trend.

Eve Tibbs is a Greek Orthodox Christian by birth. However, she holds a Ph.D. in theology from Fuller Seminary and is an affiliate assistant professor of theology at Fuller, where teaches courses in Western theology and Eastern Orthodox theology. This book is an outgrowth of that class she teaches at Fuller. In other words, this is a book written with Protestants (largely evangelical in orientation) who are looking for a basic introduction that is geared to their questions. Tibbs suggests that the book might be "likened to a tour bus repeatedly circling around four areas of interest: Scripture, history, people, and concepts." (p. 3). It carries a foreword by the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, which in my mind gives it a degree of authority.

The eight chapters of the book take us from a reflection on "The Orthodox Christian Worldview," which gives us an overview of how the Orthodox see their connection to the ancient church, its place in the Christian world, worship, and doing theology as Orthodox. From this starting point in chapter 1, we move on to a discussion of the church. Orthodoxy is very much an ecclesial faith, but how is it structured and governed and what is its relationship to the larger church? That concern is continued in chapter 3 titled "Communion and Revelation." Here she discusses the importance of the ecumenical councils in determining the nature of Orthodoxy. In other words, there isn't a pope. Here she talks about tradition, Scripture, and icons. Chapter 4 discusses ministry and leadership, including the question of the ordination of women, which is a contested issue along with apostolic succession.

Chapter 5 explores Christology, which is central to Orthodoxy. Chapter 6 explores human creation, including questions of sin, salvation, and ultimate destiny (theosis). Here we see some of the differences between east and west, which is one of the reasons it's attractive -- there's no penal substitutionary atonement here. Interestingly, she discusses Christology and theological anthropology before the Trinity. You would think that would come first, but she chooses to conclude these important theological conversations with the Trinity (remember there's no filioque).

One of the attractions of Orthodoxy is its worship, its liturgy. It seems unchanging and ancient. It's mysterious (and lengthy), but it represents the heavenly realm on earth. So you can understand why it's attractive. In her epilogue, she notes that this is an introduction. There is much more to be discovered, but here is a starting point for those who are new and inquiring.

One important element of the layout of the book is her decision to bold each word that appears in the glossary the first time it appears in the book. So, when you come across a word or idea that is new you will know where to go.

This is a really nice, helpful, accessible book written with a particular audience in mind. She seems to have a good sense of that audience and her own roots. Thus, a worthwhile book to consider.

[Acacia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is super easy to understand - everything is broken down very simply and it’s an easy, if deep, read. I read a chapter a day and found it super simple to understand! I don’t necessarily agree with all the principles presented, but as someone who was curious, I understand the basics. That’s exactly what I wanted!

[Ambrose Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer to the Eastern Orthodox Church and theology there of. In fact it is the best I’ve read on the subject since encountering Kallistose Ware’s books 36 years ago.

[Peter Redington · Rating 5 out of 5]

just the right level of detail and covers off all the interesting points

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a easy read. The fact it came from a course means it's been streamlined which is good.

I can't really review it on how it summarises the theology since I'm not an expert. It doesn't disagree with any other information on orthodoxy I've encountered as far as I can tell.

There is a part where it talks about creationism (where there is different opinions like old young evolution etc) and I'm not sure about the impression it conveys. Because every orthodox person I've encountered seems to either be agnostic on the issue or to favour young earth point of view. But I suppose she's right that there's no dogma on it.

I also feel like I've seen different views on penal substitution from orthodox. Like some seem to say it's ok to look at it that way, as long as it is not interpreted as Jesus being damned, or the Trinity being separated in some way like the Father damning the Son and sending Him to hell i.e. the penalty being taken is the human death He experienced.

[Maddy]

3.5! A few of the chapters I found a bit dry (but to be fair I think it was written to be used as a textbook). Really appreciated the section speaking about what it means to be made in the image of God and the chapter on Christology. Something I wish was explained a bit more was the Orthodox perspective of what exactly is happening when Jesus is on the cross - the author got across that the Orthodox perspective is different from the Catholic/Protestant satisfaction or substitutionary models of atonement; however, I'm still a bit confused about what exactly the Eastern Orthodox view is. Overall though, want to learn more and theologoumenon is now my favourite Greek word.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed, historical, and compelling explanation of Orthodox theology. Makes you think about your own religion and see the similarities and differences compared to the ancient Christians (as well as the Jews).

My big takeaways were how the Orthodox view the church; how we are image bearers (icons) of Christ and what that means for the practice of venerating icons; and the Filioque and what it implies for the Trinity.

Highly recommend if you want to explore ancient faith in a beginner-friendly format.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute "must read" for those non Orthodox Christians who have been seeking answers about how the early church developed a theology and then maintained it steadfastly in for over 2000 years, remaining alive today in the modern world. It's also an important reminder for all Orthodox Christians of not only what our faith believes, but what they mean and why those beliefs are so relevant in the face the temptations of our times.

[Jason Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a good introduction to Orthodox theology, though there are a few topics left out. The reader will get some early Church history, Christology, Theosis, Essence-energies distinction, and other topics. I would recommend this book for someone with no prior knowledge of Orthodxy; this truly is a basic guide.

[Daniel Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, easily accessible and immensely inspiring!

If you are interested in the Orthodox expression of worship and doctrine then this is a great place to start. It touches on Orthodoxy’s essential shape and theological reasonings while retaining the “experiential” nature of its spirituality.

[Adam Lawlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and informational guide to the basics of Eastern Orthodox theology. The well read western Christian will find this immensely compelling, especially considering the modern resurgence of more liturgical forms of worship due to the seeker sensitive mini-exodus.

[Matthew Hopson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book to read. I have learned so much about biblical history and Eastern Orthodox. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about the history of Christianity, Eastern Orthodoxy, Western Christianity, etc. All around great book.

[Michelle Cho · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLARIFIED SO MUCH especially in my journey to navigate all the mess and complications that could come from trying to understand the church differences (of which Jesus is the sole source of unity)! Thank you Dr. Eve for your writing and TB for sharing.

[Carson Harraman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for evangelicals.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those looking into orthodoxy, very informative though a bit dense.

[Joe Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative

Having never been exposed to Eastern Orthodox theology or practice, I found this to be an enlightening and attractive read.

[Caleb Stog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very solid introductory book about Eastern Orthodoxy.

[Sofia Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will keep this book as a reference for all things. So insightful and even moving. I love the Orthodox Church and adopting some of their practices has deeply enriched my life.

[Matina Kazameas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read so far in understanding Eastern Orthodox Christianity in a Western world. We did this as a women's Bible Study/Book Club at our Parish and everyone LOVED this book.

[Sarah Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Converted to orthodoxy back in september, explains all of it really well for a beginner

[Joseph Clark]

Great read for those interested in the Orthodox faith coming from an evangelical background.