Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition

by James R. Payton Jr.

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2007

Overview

The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards winner

"Do they really pray to icons?" "Why do they use incense?" "What do they believe?"

To many people, the Orthodox Christian tradition (or Eastern Orthodoxy) seems unfamiliar and mysterious. Yet this tradition is arguably the most faithful representative of early Christianity in existence today and numbers roughly 250 million adherents worldwide. What's more, a steady stream of evangelical Christians has been entering the Orthodox Church in recent decades. Isn't it time we gained a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy?

In Light from the Christian East, James Payton gives us just that. With a sympathetic eye and even hand, he ushers readers into the world of Orthodox Christianity--its history, theology and religious practices. In doing so, he clears away the confusion and misunderstandings that often prevent non-Orthodox Christians from fully appreciating the riches of this ancient tradition. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Orthodox Christianity.

Key Features

• Provides information on major themes in Orthodox theology
• Highlights some of the key distinctions between the 'Christian East' and the 'Christian West'
• Appreciates what the author finds in the Orthodox tradition and urges Western readers to do the same

Contents

• Historical Perspectives
• Western Reactions
• Orthodoxy's Approach to Doctrine
• Talking About God
• The Creator and the Creation
• Humanity as Created and Fallen
• The Accomplishment of Salvation
• The Application of Salvation
• What is Grace?
• Going to Church
• Icons
• Tradition and Scripture
• Prayer

Praise for Light from the Christian East

James R. Payton Jr. has written a clear, concise and appreciative introduction to the unique contributions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I was glad that I read his book.

—Daniel B. Clendenin, author of Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective, www.journeywithjesus.net

One of the best introductions available to the Eastern Orthodox Church and its theology. The comparisons and contrasts make for fascinating reading and clearly illuminate the main issues. This book will find its way into many syllabi.

James J. Stamoolis, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, Trinity College and Trinity Graduate School, and author of Eastern Orthodox Mission Theology Today

James Payton has combined his thorough familiarity with Eastern Orthodoxy--her history, theology and practice--with a gracious and respectful sensibility, and produced a book that is inviting, accessible and more content-rich than an introductory work is expected to be. Light from the Christian East is an excellent book.

—Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of The Illumined Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation

In a day when people look to the Far East for truth and light, Dr. Payton suggests that they consider the Christian East as well. This ancient tradition gets us away from the weary Catholic-Protestant split and opens up rich possibilities for fresh reflection. This book feeds one's soul and quickens one's intellect.

—Clark H. Pinnock, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, McMaster Divinity College

Product Details

• Title: Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition
• Author: James R. Payton Jr.
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 238
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Orthodox Eastern Church
• ISBNs: 9780830878505, 9780830825943, 0830878505, 0830825940
• Resource ID: LLS:LGHTCHRSTNST
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:14:13Z

About James R. Payton Jr.

James R. Payton Jr. (PhD, University of Waterloo, Canada) is emeritus professor of history at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. He is the author of Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition and Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting Some Misunderstandings, as well as the editor of A Patristic Treasury: Early Church Wisdom for Today.