by: Daniel B. Clendenin

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441206343

  Pub. Date

  Oct 2003

  SRP

  $26.00

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About

"Clendenin presents Orthodoxy in an honest and sympathetic way. For the Protestant reader, he carefully explains why the Orthodox venerate icons, how they approach Scripture, and how they understand tradition. Highly recommended for the Western student of Eastern Christianity."--Paul Meyendorff, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

In this reliable, fair, and engaging survey, Daniel Clendenin introduces Protestants to Eastern Orthodox history and theology with the hope that the two groups will come to see their traditions as complementary and learn to approach one another with a "hermeneutic of love" that fosters "mutual respect, toleration, and even support."

This revised edition includes a new preface, a new chapter, and an updated bibliography. In addition to updated demographic information, Clendenin examines at length a particular aspect of Orthodoxy's intersection with Protestantism--its growing exchange with evangelicalism.

Endorsements

"Clendenin presents Orthodoxy in an honest and sympathetic way, stressing its emphasis on the historic continuity of the apostolic faith as well as on personal conversion and spirituality. For the Protestant reader, he carefully explains why the Orthodox venerate icons, how they approach Scripture, and how they understand tradition. Eschewing a polemical tone, Clendenin employs a 'hermeneutic of peace,' without which no respect or trust can be achieved. This book is highly recommended for the Western student of Eastern Christianity."-Paul Meyendorff, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

"Eastern Orthodox Christianity has already proven to be a most helpful book. It clearly and engagingly introduces the reader to a rich Christian heritage that is too often overlooked. Changes in global realities since the book's original publication make an informed appreciation for Orthodox Christianity all the more important in the West. And the revisions, additions, and enhancements in the second edition, including the accompanying reader, make this book all the more valuable."-W. David Buschart, professor of theology and associate dean, Denver Seminary

"For too long the world of Eastern Orthodoxy has remained unexplored territory for Protestants of all stripes. Clendenin proves to be a wise and knowledgeable guide to Eastern Orthodox theology and life. In light of the striking rebirth of interest in classical Christianity and the church Fathers both in mainline denominations and across evangelicalism, readers will find Clendenin's work to be must reading."-Christopher Hall, author of Learning Theology with the Church Fathers

"Daniel Clendinen's Eastern Orthodox Christianity is already a classic. A work characterized by clarity, accuracy, and respect, this book offers an excellent introduction to the Eastern Orthodox faith."-Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy

"Clendenin takes readers through the world of new ecumenical understanding among Protestants and Eastern Orthodox Christians, with some reference to Roman Catholicism as well. The journey is not without critique of the Orthodox tradition, yet Clendenin does it with a compelling 'hermeneutic of love.' His new epilogue is a nuanced and helpful message of hope."-Scotty McLennan, Stanford University

"A splendid book with far-reaching ecumenical implications."-Donald Bloesch, Dubuque Theological Seminary

"A readable view of Eastern Christianity through Western eyes by one who has spent significant time in the East."-Thomas Oden, Drew University

Reviews

"[Clendenin's] evaluation is perceptive and appreciative but also critical, and many readers are likely to agree with (and profit from) at least part of his analysis."--Alan Cochrum, Star Telegram

"This is a thought provoking, extremely well documented study of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. So full of what is new information for perhaps the majority of readers, this book bears reading a second or third time. Not only does it introduce the Orthodox Church, its history and theology but it forces the reader to evaluate his own faith in light of what he has read. While it may not change one's beliefs, it does bring understanding and appreciation for the Orthodox Church and leads to a greater feeling of brotherhood."--Christian Observer

"A very valuable entry in the ongoing dialogue between Evangelicals and the Orthodox. It is well worth reading by the faithful of both groups."--Robert W. Grano, Touchstone

"The revised edition of Clendenin's presentation of Eastern Orthodox Christianity continues to serve its original purpose: to introduce aspects of Orthodox history and theology to evangelical Christians. . . . Clendenin provides much useful information on the history of the early and Byzantine church, and he helps readers understand the alienation between the Eastern Orthodox and the Latin church. To its great credit, the book relies heavily on the giants of modern Orthodox scholarship."--Anna Marie Aagaard, International Bulletin of Missionary Research

"Clendenin is quite thorough in his discussion and shows he knows what he is writing about. . . . This book is recommended . . . by this reviewer to those interested as a Protestant or as a Catholic in the Orthodox Church. Academic and public libraries will want his book too to add to their collection of materials on the Orthodox Church."--Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., wwwcurledup.com

"The copious footnotes provide a helpful guide to further studies in English-language resources. The last two chapters of this work also contain a biblical evaluation of Orthodox thinking which can prove useful to the reader."--Thomas J. Marinello, Emmaus Journal