1 comments about The Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit (The Fathers of the church).

1. Dr. Farrell's translation of Saint Photios' Mystagogy is eloquent and, in this time of renewed interest in the ancient Church, altogether timely. His lengthy introduction, drawing on references as diverse as Plotinus and Paul Tillich, provides the historical, cultural, and theological setting of Saint Photios' controversial treatise. The introductory essay is itself a classic of modern Patristics - the study of the Church Fathers. Dr. Farrell argues that Photios is attacking a fundamental theological trend in Western Christendom which has implications for its entire polity. In this sense he offers the Mystagogy as a prophetic work rather than simply a theoretical one. The Mystagogy is a comprehensive assault on the new culture being created in the West by the addition of the "filioque" clause to the Western Creed. For Saint Photios, this clause represents "all the rash impudence" that the new Europe has to say. Dr. Farrell in his analysis uses the phrase "summation of all theological error". This is not a wishy-washy work of scholarship for the faint-hearted. It packs a punch both in stye and in depth. Still, the brevity of the book makes it accessible for a general audience and rightly so if, as Dr. Farrell argues, Saint Photios' work is of universal import. Hearty reading!

2 comments about The Relevance of the Fathers.

1. THis slim volume is a great place to start if you are beginning to read the fathers, and it is a perfect place for the experienced reader whole is interested in some topical discussions. The eleven topics include the themes of worship, how to treat those sepereated from teh church, who is a heretic, ecology and economy, wealth and love, the value of suffering etc. THis is an awesome book for its compact style and gems of wisdom and relevance.
   THis book makes a great gift as a devotional book as well. Not dry in the least!



2. This is a good place to start to nurture an appreciation for the Fathers of the Church. With a delicate balance of appreciating our historical roots without jettisoning the present, Metropolitan Timiadis gives us a good push in the right direction. The Fathers have so much for us today but so often we assume their advice will be out of date and irrelevant to us today. Once we discover their classic advice, however, we may run the risk of deciding we no longer need to pursue later doctrines of the church in their fullest. This little book helps us find the necessary balance to neither worship nor ignore the ancient wisdom. Very well done.

2 comments about Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit.

1. Jesus is asking us, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:1-8). His question resonates prophetically in this post-modern secular age.
   
   Many of the faithful have already lost or are in the process of losing their Christian faith and values. In real time, our modern culture is being secularized and humanized to the point of forgetting God.
   
   Why is this happening? Sadly, the answer is clear: counterfeit spirituality. Poisons and placebos are being administered to suffering people in need of real medicine and healing.
   
   Like people in need of surgery or other healing treatment who are offered massage therapy, people are being handed the "prosperity", "social", "identity", and "eternal security" gospels instead of authentic teachings on repentance and salvation. Although they may be quite popular, these "feel good Christianities' have proven to be of little real value in times of temptation, trial and need.
   
   In the words of St. Paul, such people have "... a form of godliness but (are) denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:5).
   
   The abundance of sexual and financial scandals in the Church; the proliferation of new
   Denominational and "non-Denominational" churches; and the breakdown of the family unit and the institution of marriage provides ample data that counterfeit spirituality is flourishing. "You will know them by their fruit." (Matthew 7:15-23)
   
   By way of contrast, "Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit" documents the reality of the Gospel in our day. How? By documenting the lives of contemporary people who became the Gospel, by living it in their thoughts, words and deeds; we are reassured of our faith.
   
   After reading this book you'll be reassured that Christianity is real and true and just, as proven by this simple piece of evidence: after more than 2000 years of practice, the Christian life continues to produce Saints.



2. This book, a short series of lives and teachings of 8 contermporary Greek Orthodox elders (Amphilochios of Patmos, Epiphanios of Athens, Iakovos of Evia, Joseph the Hesychast, Paisios the Athonite, Philotheos of Paros, Porphyrios of Attica and George of Drama) is quickly becoming a modern-day classic in Orthodox circles... and for good reason.
   
   As the previous reviewer (who I happen to know) noted, today there exists a great spread of false spirituality, an outpouring of venemous worldviews and practices which promote the most distorted ideas of "spirituality" and "mysticism." The nihilistic worldview has entered the "spiritual" lives of many who seek anything which makes one "feel good" or has an inkling of transcendant "powers." There is a great problem, however, if relativism in matters of faith turns out to be false, if there is a Truth of which the fulness can be found in this life. Basically, if there is Truth, than not all methods of "spirituality" can be legitimate. I believe that the fulness of truth can be experienced, and it exists in Orthodoxy; no better proof of this exists than within the saints.
   
   This book introduces the reader to the 8 modern-day Greek elders listed above, providing a short life followed by their counsels. The lives reveal the Gospel being truly lived, and their teachings offer interpretations of the Gospel message and what it means for man today in counsels wholly consistent with the teachings of the Church Fathers and apostles. For modern man in a world replete with the sickness of sin, this book is like thousands of dollars worth of medicine and hundreds of hours of psychological counselling in just over a couple hundred pages (for those willing to accept it). This book is perfect for those searching for the Faith, those who want to learn about Orthodoxy, or those who want to become acquainted with some modern-day saints. Most of all, however, it is perfect for someone searching for truth and meaning in today's world. If one wants to know where the True Church promised by Christ lies, this book is a great place to start in order to show the unbroken connection between the Orthodox saints of today and the apostles who knew the Person of Christ.
   
   Along with the lives and counsels, the book has a great introduction, is bound well, includes a few very nice pictures, and is presented, overall, in a very attractive manner.
   
   So why, one may ask, four stars instead of five? Perhaps this is a bit of a personal complaint rather than one that would be shared by many others, but I would have liked to see the book be about 3 times in length, as the lives of the elders are not nearly detailed enough. I have read many longer lives of these as-of-yet unglorified saints, and I would have liked to see more stories of their miracles and struggles - both of which are so inspiring and awe-inducing - in the lives in this book. In a way, the short lives here are good for many as they may inspire readers to search elsewhere for longer, more detailed and intimate lives (which I suggest doing). I suppose, then, that I would give a four and a half star rating.
   
   Either way, buy it, read it, and love it. This is the type of book the world needs.

1 comments about Hymn of Entry: Liturgy and Life in the Orthodox Church (Contemporary Greek Theologians Series , No 1).

1. This is my least favorite book in the Contemporary Greek Theologians series. Archimandrite Vasileios writes about the mystical reality of the Liturgy, and takes his subject to the Nth degree. In short, he interprets every moment of the liturgy as an experience of heaven itself. I would be anxious to know if the common Orthodox believer experiences the liturgy in the same way.

5 comments about Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast.

1. Excellent translation of the Greek version. This book demonstrates what an incredible saint Elder Joseph the Hesychast is. His writings will inspire you to practice the Jesus Prayer without ceasing. His ascetic struggle and love for Christ and the Virgin Mary will bring tears to your eyes. I am truly amazed that we have had such a saint in our century. This book is definitely one of the best Orthodox Christian books out there.



2. Elder Joseph's letters are awe-inspiring as well as action inspiring. This collection of letters comes from several sources (they don't all have the same recipient.) He addresses clergy, monastics, laity (both in Greece and abroad.)

   The level of asceticism he practiced he never pushed on anyone else. He expected much out of people, but made them want to be that way of their own will. He wasn't interested in having a bunch of puppets. He was a true spiritual father, not a spiritual dictator.

   Many of his ideas, sayings, etc will seem "radical" to most English speakers. After a while though, you realize Elder Joseph isn't the radical one, he is living the God-inspired life, while the rest of us aren't quite hitting the mark.

   More than anything though, you realize how his love of God has caused him to have extreme love for all of creation...even those that didn't like him. Elder Joseph was a man of incredible discipline, humility and love. He was always strict with himself, willing to admit when he was wrong. He was kind, generous, and loving to others.

   I can't say enough good things about this book. The Elder's words just melt you with joy and challenge you to become like Christ. I also want to comment on the literal book itself. The hardcover edition is beautifully put together. Embossed cover, multicolor printing, nice art, quality paper, binding etc. If taken care of, this book should exist for generations.

   Buy this book, and challenge yourself.




3. The wisdom and sweetness of the Elder's words make this book a true treasure. He epitomizes the very essence of spiritual fatherhood. It comes as no surprise to learn that Elder Joseph's spiritual children and grandchildren ( if you will ), number in the thousands, and that his blessed memory lives on in all of their hearts.



4. This is a collection of letters written by an illumined Eastern Orthtodox holy man who lived in the 20th century on the holy mountain of Athos in caves and huts. It is a book for those who want to go more deeply into the interior life of Christ, girded by the written instructions of an experienced guide and elder, without having to go outside the Christian tradition to do so. I am finding it an invaluable tool and motivation. One must understand however that it is a book by a monk and ascetic. Not all of what he instructs is practical or even possible for those of us who live in the world. But in the same way that one might read a book by Lance Armstrong on bicycle racing, without having any hope or possibility of achieving his level of accomplishment, this book will motivate and challenge you!



5. There's not much I can add to these reviews. I would just say that Elder Joseph's letters are eminently readable and that, although it is true he maintened a standard of asceticism far beyond that which most people are capable of, there are many practical aspects of this book that the ordinary individual can use and apply in his own spiritual journey.
   Ditto on the beautiful appearance of the book. It is a joy to handle and look at.

No comments about All that a Greek Orthodox should know: Answers to questions and problems of today's living.

No comments about THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH: FAITH, HISTORY, AND PRACTICE.

5 comments about Dancing Alone: The Quest for Orthodox Faith in the Age of False Religion.

1. Frank Schaeffer provides an excellent historical overview of the history of Christianity, which alone makes this book worthwhile. He's judgmental of Orthodox Christians who were born into the faith, but his fervent zeal for Christian Orthodoxy shines through. Well worth the read.



2. When Frank Schaeffer spoke at the Festival of Orthodoxy in Dallas in February 2005, he said that he was too harsh in this book, and that were he able to do it over, he would rewrite half of it. I don't know which half or which parts he would rewrite, but I agree with him about the harshness of his tone, which to me seriously degrades the value and trustworthiness of this book. It's interesting, but Schaeffer's jeremiad makes for wearisome reading after awhile.



3. Frank Schaeffer, a.k.a. Franky, was an inspiration to many evangelicals in the 80s. The opening chapter of his book "A Time for Anger", in which for several pages he documents the lunatic contradictions of advances in prenatal medicine contrasted with pro-abortion militancy is one of the most brilliant and compelling satires I have ever read. But Franky became disillusioned with the wishy-washy response of evangelicals to the issues of the day, Evangelical provincialism related to the arts and soon seemed to fade from sight.
   
   This book documents that disillusionment, as he studied the early church with others and eventually embraced Orthodoxy.
   
   He provides many insightful critiques of the shortcomings of Evangelicalism. His methodology follows in father's, in many respects, seeing roots of ideas in earlier eras which blossomed into worldviews that ran counter to essential Christianity. Why did Frank wind up in a different place than Francis?
   
   Francis was often accused (unjustly) of reductionism, condensing complex historical movements into tidy little compartments. But Francis was at least careful to hedge his conclusions and tended to connect the dots well. Frank, on the other hand, speaks in bold and sometimes condescending terms, and frustratingly makes huge leaps of logic. He builds a foundation from A to B to C, then leaps all the way to Z and pronounces his conclusion inevitable.
   
   Hence, where Francis Schaeffer lamented the rise of rationalism and its effects on secular and Christian thought, Frank instead blames rationalism on Augustine and the Reformers. It is as if all ideas which have developed in the Western world are constructions of confused Western theology and no ideas sprung from thought outside the church. He criticises virtually everything in the west, democracy included, and lays the blame for every ill from rampant abortion on demand to even theological excesses within the American Orthodox church on Protestantism. The key point, hammered mercilessly, is that rationalistic theology led to individualism, individualism led to endless division, and endless division led to pluralism and a lack of any solid moral compass. Western Christianity was not influenced, then, by secular and anti-Christian philosophies, rather Protestanism caused those philosophies by cutting theology away from "holy tradition".
   
   It is not that his logic from A to B to C is faulty or that his base points are not well taken. In fact some of the early points are rather compelling. But his leaps from C to Z is so outrageous as to make every previous point irrelevant.
   
   Daniel Clenendin's, or Kallistos Ware's books on Orthodoxy are much more worthwhile for a Protestant who wants to understand the Eastern Church. If you are just curious to know what happened to Franky Schaeffer, this is the definitive answer.



4. DANCING ALONE is a very well reasoned, no-holds-barred indictment of Roman Catholic structure, Western "Protestant" Christianity in general, and American Protestant Fundamentalism in particular. Mr. Schaeffer also dissects and flays cherished Protestant ideas which are, too often, poorly conceived, unhistorical, and downright silly. He also takes aim at nominal Christian theology, which the Church Fathers and Councils put to bed more than 1,700 years ago, yet are blindly touted as "new" or "modern."
   
   Mr. Schaeffer's overall scholarship is excellent, if not near-flawless. To see how this so, and expand one's knowledge, I suggest perusing the book's fascinating bibliography (with comments). Then delve into studying these key works. Most all the books in DANCING ALONE's bibliography are available via Amazon.
   
   The critics of Mr. Schaeffer's book mostly whine about his no-holds-barred, tell-it-like-it-is style -- as a lame substitute for real, substantive criticism of his (perfect) grasp of theological and historical facts. Others prattle on about Mr. Schaeffer's so-called "lack" of compassion because he makes very clear, scholarly theological points, which may -- all too often -- indict someone's long-held and emotionally mired belief system; Mr. Schaeffer tears apart faith which is at odds with history, facts, and logic; he unflinchingly unveils what for too many of us, nothing more than long-held falsehoods, half-truths and wishful thinking -- not reality; not Truth.



5. What strikes one about this account of one person's move from Evangelicalism to Orthodoxy is that one, he is passionate about his new church body and two, he constantly quotes not usually from the Word of God(and when he does, he quickly interprets it from Holy Tradition's stance), but the Holy Tradition.
   
   Thus, the heart of Orthodoxy is just that, the Holy Tradition interprets Scripture, not Scripture interprets Scripture (the Lutheran and Reformational principle). As Luther said it so well at Worms with his very physical life on the line: Although I have great respect for the hierachy and councils and ancient church fathers) my greater respect is for the Word of God.
   
   One cannot help in reading the ancient church fathers to find there a wide variety, diversity of theological opinions. Thus, the confusion of Orthodoxy. Pick and choose to quote from your favorite, or that which supports one's opinion. Thus the suspicion of the fathers being the ultimate norm for Biblical interpretation.
   
   This then exhibits itself most glaringly in Schaeffer's move in its position on original sin. Schaeffer says Maximus was right, Augustine and subsequent West had it wrong. Sin is not that bad in its original sin concept. It is just as tarnish on silver as leading American Orthodox spokesman said recently on radio. Just needs some polishing. Contrast this with writings of Paul quoting from the apostles' and Lord's Bible from Psalsm and Isaiah in Romans 3 and one gets idea that since fall into sin it is spiritual death, not just a freewill choice to not follow God willingly. Paul writes against this repeatedly.
   
   It seems that Schaeffer is into Christianity's engagement with and influence of culture, and thus frustrated with lack of such in his view. With this most of us Christians would agree. However, he totally reduces much of Christianity in a false generalization way to the worst of Calvinistic and fundamentialist position when he needs to be the most critical.
   
   Real Lutherans don't fit his mold. Some of Calvinists don't either. He paints a real false straw man here. I agree with most of this criticism, but don't see turning to Orthodoxy as solution, since by creating a false problem (free will following) rather than original sin, they than get the solution wrong.
   
   Much that can be supported with Schaeffer's critique of American Christianity (e.g. liturgy, morals,sacraments, confession/absolution,etc.), but his solution doesn't correlate with Scripture, unless one sees the Holy Tradition as presented as the God given only choice of interpretation. I'll go with the Apostles' as inspired by Spirit of God to put down into words that this day also may read for ourselves, rather than wait for other writers' to interpret for us.

No comments about The Art of Greek Cookery Based on the Grecian Gourmet.

4 comments about Counsels from the Holy Mountain: Selected from the Letters and Homilies of Elder.

1. Elder Ephraim has played a very important role in the creation of many Greek Orthodox monasteries throughout the United States. This book gives the lay reader valuable insights into the powerful faith, strength, and compassion that have inspired so many Orthodox people. Definitely an important addition to the library of anyone who wants to experience the vitality of the patristic tradition in today's world.



2. This book changed my life. Elder Ephraim is truly of one mind with the Orthodox Saints through the centuries. The book describes how to deal with the passions, on spiritual warfare, temptations and trials, etc. from the traditional Orthodox Christian teachings. Some of this book might be a little too difficult to swallow for the "modern Christian" but perhaps this is needed as a wake up call. I recommend that you read this book slowly and prayerfully.



3. I have been Orthodox all my life and never, not in Sunday School, Church, or Bible Study have I ever heard such amazing words as are in this bok. This book discusses every aspect of Orthodox Christianity, and when you read this book you will literally hear God talking to you through Elder Ephraim's words.



4. I have only begun my journey looking deeper into Orthodoxy and deeply enjoy recent findings of early church fathers' writings. What a blessing to find the disciples of the Apostles speak through their letters to us. Very moving to read Clement's own letters to the corinthian church 40 years after the Apostle Paul recommended him to us in Phillipians 4:3.
   
   I was surprised to read of the great reverence given by Holy Tradition in the Orthodox Christian Churches to marriage in a book by Father Meyerhoff entitled: "Marriage: An Orthodox Perspective" and found his writings inspirational.
   
   A friend of mine in our local Orthodox Church recommended visiting Ephraim's monastery due to his impressoin of Ephraim's deep "spirituality". In a google search for his monastery though, I was shocked to read that the Archbishops of the Orthodox Church condemning Ephraim's cultic work. Many Orthodox parents are in tears over the loss of their children to what they believer are cultic monasteries more focused on Ephraim's new revelations than our LORD Jesus Christ and the HOLY TRADITION!? I'm not sure why would true Orthodox believers accept false antiOrthodox teachings that condemn sexual purity of marriage intimacy taught by Apostolic writings given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and confirmed by all true Churches worldwide; but, I guess sometimes desire for Holiness in an age of impurity can blind anyone to the true teachings of our LORD in regard to the wonderful blessings of marriage and its intimate God-given nature. I know no man should have papal authority to overcome Apostolic and Holy Orthodox teachings no matter how serene or "spiritual" they seem.
   
   Please investigate pokrov and rickross's website presentations of the Holy Orthodox Church's concernes regarding this author before presenting a 5 star representation of his writings.
   
   I want to remain open minded concerning that which is truly Holy Orthodox teaching and determine whether there is a continuity or break between the first 4 centuries of Christianity and today's Christian teachings, but cultic tendencies concern me deeply no matter what their source claims are.
   
   Hope I have not opened an unncessary can of worms for those wanting to know Christ of History and his Church's true teachings. God's blessings on your journey!