As venerable as the author himself!

books:


	• The Orthodox Church: New Edition Timothy Ware Penguin (Non-Classics), 1993 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 70 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Good, but Divisive

Overall, this is an excellent introduction to modern Eastern Orthodoxy. However, I think that there are some serious flaws in it. As a Latin-rite Catholic myself, I was struck by the method by which Timothy Ware constantly picks out the most minute differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, and then gives detailed criticisms of the Western tradition (although he may be slightly vindicated by the fact that he is often just reporting many of the attitudes of modern Orthodoxy). To the reader, (and sadly this is the case in a lot of Orthodox circles) it seems that that Western theological positions or modes of worship are either scorned or condemned for simply not being Eastern. This attitude is exemplified in the content of the book's Introduction. One gets the impression that the writer is concerned to define Orthodoxy, not by what it is, but by what it is not.

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Best Introduction

This book clearly outlines the history, though, and practices of Eastern Orthodox Christians, and has become the standard introductory text (both for private and classroom use) when learning about Orthodox Christianity. There are some valid critiques of the book, and some of the changes that have been made over the years, and these critiques are easily found online. But whatever the case, despite certain changes, this book remains in the minds of most the most important first text for a person interested in learning about Orthodoxy to read. Read in conjunction with His Grace's other book, The Orthodox Way, a person begins to catch a glimpse of what Orthodoxy is about, once you get past all the ethnicity and other secondary elements.

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As venerable as the author himself!

An Orthodox archpriest told me the tale of a meeting a few years ago with Bishop Kallistos (Tim Ware). The priest, a convert, told the Bishop how this book, "The Orthodox Church," had brought him to Orthodoxy and then added "but I suppose you hear that all time time." Bishop Kallistos, with great British mirth replied, "Well, yes, but tell me again, anyway!"

Maybe we all need to be told again, anyway, about the Orthodox faith--the original church of the Apostles, still there and waiting. Many have described it as "America's best-kept secret." If so, then this book, still in print after 40 years and becoming a real classic, is perhaps the decoder for that secret. Clearly written by an Oxford Don, the book falls into two halves-- a short history of the eastern Church and a modest recapitulation of Orthodox doctrine. Both parts are worth reading, but you could read either half alone!

One star off the top because when the book was written, the USSR was ascendant and Orthodoxy in Russia was close to its nadir. Despite a quick update some years back, the old grudge against the godless regime still echoes a bit too strongly.

Despite this, "The Orthodox Church" is a fabulous overview and worth reading, whether you are seeking or not. Maybe you are an Inquirer and like Prince Vladimir are a "merchant in search of fine pearls." Maybe you also will "send servants to Constantinople for the Orthodox Faith" and "find Christ the Priceless Pearl."

On the other hand, maybe you are just interested in studying a bit about Orthodox history and doctrine. Either way, it's hard to beat this book.

And, reviewers from outside the Orthodox Faith should please remember that the Orthodox Way is to love one another as we love God and that we should respect and love each and every person as a unique and loved creation of God. Play nice!

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wonderfully enlightening

I was lent a copy of this by a student that noted the similarity of a presentation I gave in class of the ontological argument and a short discussion of the via negativa, since she recalled the word apophatic as being used in discussion at her Orthodox Church. I was not able to find the word for some reason and she lent me the book. (Sorry, my Greek is so very poor). For some reason with the book in hand I had no problems finding the word in my Liddell and Scott. I am most familiar with the Latin expression via negativa which is mentioned in the book. It was also interesting getting an overview of the Orthodox perspective via Timothy Ware.

I also found reading the various reviews in amazon.com on the book interesting to see how different readers reacted to different parts of the book! There are some that give what I suppose are negative critiques from a certain point of view but positive from others. Considering the ecumenism towards which Churches are heading it seems merely silly to use negative critiques, but then some of those that are negative are from the view that the book is negative in light of the same movement towards ecumenism! How wonderfully enlightening to see so many sides of this issue all aroused by the book. This kind of interaction between readers is one of the most intriguing and useful things the Internet (and Amazon of course) has done for us. Thank you all for sharing your views!

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Very Good and Honest

If you are interested in the Orthodox Church or want to know what they believe and why, then this is the book for you. Timothy Ware gives a historical and doctrinal explanation of the Orthodox Tradition. The author is honest and shows what the Orthodox believe without getting into too much detail, yet enough historical background and doctrine so that one can understand the why and what of the Orthodox Tradition.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, page 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

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