and
reminds us not to equate Christianity with out forms, but to seek it's living pulse.
reminds us that just as the telescope is the appropriate method for seeing the stars
the microscope for seeing the cells of our blood
so is the purified heart the appropriate method for seeing God...
The theme of the book is that Western Christianity, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, is hopelessly entwined in a philosophical, scientific, rational approach to trying to know God. By relying on human reason to "prove" God's existence and rejecting the spiritual knowledge and practices of the early Church "fathers and mothers" - "the holy elders have taught throughout the ages that God speaks to human beings only through the heart" - Western Christians have rejected the core of Christianity. Only a few Christians can be monks and nuns totally devoting themselves to using ancient techniques for spiritual growth to move as close as possible to God as is humanly possible. But the existence of monastic communities provides a environment to both preserve the ancient knowledge and make it accessible to lay seekers.
The most important thing in moving beyond slavery to worldly concerns and toward Theosis (union with God) is the sublimation of our egos and a commitment to Metanoia (transformation of the mind and heart). This is accomplished by adhering to Ecclesia (comprehensive set of Christian practices, e.g., prayer, fasting, ritual, study). Now, Evangelicals, don't cover your ears and run away screaming "works righteousness". These practices aren't about "getting saved". They are about moving to a higher spiritual plane, something Evangelicals pay lip service to but, in fact, DON'T HAVE A CLUE how to accomplish.
The conversational, dialog approach to complex subjects makes this a good introduction to Orthodox ideas. The footnotes and bibliography provide guidance for further pursuing Orthodox beliefs and practices and a three-page glossary provides reference definitions for Greek theological terms that, for this beginner, need to consulted on a regular basis.
I recommend this book highly, especially to non-Orthodox Christians who, even though they choose not to "convert", will find Father Maximos' explanations of the Beatitudes, hell, etc., provide a thought provoking contrast with Protestant and Roman Catholic interpretations.