Many times want to recommend books on certain topics, to deepen my readers' understanding, but know they will get lost or bored reading an academic textbook. Yet that's often all I can find on some subjects. This book on the Eastern Orthodox tradition is very accessible. It was first a class, comprised mainly of evangelic protestants. Not necessarily read all in one setting, but an excellent resource.

This book was very interesting. It originated from a course that the author teaches on Eastern Orthodox Theology to a classroom of mostly Western Protestant students. It is a good introduction to Westerners about the enigma of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout the book Tibbs distinguishes some of the differences between the Eastern and Western church, such as the Eastern Orthodox being more mystical and less academic. They believe that theology is not something to be studied as it is done in the West, the Eastern Orthodox believe that theology is about contemplating the experience of God. The Eastern Orthodox Church doesn’t believe in purgatory like Catholics do, although they do include the Apocrypha in their Bible. There is no central authority in the Orthodox Church; it’s conciliar/synodal and not papal as it is in the Catholic Church. One section of the book that I found really interesting was on the Orthodox Holy Icons, also known as the visual Gospel (see the cover for an example). The book also covers how worship is conducted in the Orthodox Church which is also different from the Western Church. I’m sure that this book is just a glimpse of how the Orthodox Church operates. The only true way to know more about the Orthodox Church is to attend a service, the author encourages it, and I plan to attend one in the future.

Essential for those seeking a robust introduction to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Tibbs' broad overview of Orthodox history, tradition, and beliefs through doctrine, discipline, and practice is approachable and goes beyond the basics. Her Evangelical lens will be of particular interest to those utilizing this text for comparative theological study. Tibbs uses practical insight while also breaking through Western misconceptions. She makes a strong case for Eastern Orthodox practice not being an archaic faith, but one that is alive, well, and relevant