As a Protestant Christian, I share much theology in common with Eastern Orthodoxy; however, Protestantism’s emphasis lies more with justification than with Trinitarianism and Christology. Eastern Orthodox theology and spirituality tend to ground themselves in the nature of God. In this book, Kallistos Ware shows how the Orthodox maintained the emphasis of the early church’s creeds all the way to the present day.
This book is simultaneously faithful to the Eastern Orthodox tradition and open to dialogue with the West and Western culture. It, thankfully, does not fall into the trap of being militant towards other Christian groups while still maintaining its clear integrity and center. Ware’s scholarship of the church fathers and of Western Christians taught me a few thoughts and references that I hadn’t thought through before.
It’s hard to evaluate religious books in a way that’s deeper than just, “I agree with it” or “I don’t.” Ware presents the tradition well – so well that even thoughtful Protestants can gain from his presentation. He is clear in the doctrine but open to critique. He’s not condemning but thoroughly positive. For anyone interested in Eastern Orthodoxy or just for religious practices built upon Trinitarianism and Christology, just like the early church did, I’d recommend this book wholeheartedly. It can deepen your own faith; it certainly did mine.
The Orthodox Way: Classics Series
By Kallistos Ware
Narrated by Jonah Martin
Text copyright (c) 2019
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press
Audio copyright (c) 2022
St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press
ASIN B0BCM1BXDH
Length: 6:27
Genre: Christianity
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