Father James provides an excellent, and easy read for someone new to the faith, or those looking for a refresher. Specifically, if you come from a Protestant background, and are seeking to convert to the original, and unchanged faith. Biblical references are provided to back up all of the traditions of Orthodox Christianity, and reasoning in plain English for anyone who has questions.

God has guided do you into this work like he does as He sees fit. IKevin Sherer has hit a chord with me! I was a cradle old believer, now, we are Orthodox Old Rite! Kevin, God has guided do you into this work like he does as He sees fit! Thank the Lord working through you, I can see what I need to do with my family! I just pray it's not too late.! Pray for us. Mat. Marfa Yakunin! God bless!

Wonderful. Both inspirational and practical. I have already recommended to others, including my spiritual director

A short and straightforward book for anyone new to Orthodox Christianity or wanting to learn more. Will definitely recommend!

Excellent book that deals with the angst of our time with wisdom of the early church. Well worth the price and time!

Great book to read.

Great book, everyone should read it.

It was by reading (with the assistance of the Holy Spirit) that I became convinced of the truth claims of Holy Orthodoxy over 10 years ago (I had been a pastor in the Protestant tradition). But since becoming an Orthodox priest, I have not found many books that were well suited for inquirers and for those preparing to enter the Orthodox Church. Many were either too exhaustive, utilized theological terminology and jargon that made them largely inaccessible by those who lacked formal theological training, and/or smacked of triumphalism.

Father Michael's book is a much needed resource. It is well organized, and written in a plain and straightforward style that clearly and cogently communicates the Orthodox Faith. He presents the central tenets of Orthodox Christianity, often contrasting them with Protestant and Roman Catholic theology. This has been particularly helpful in my parish since virtually all of our members began as inquirers in other Christian traditions.

I have now adopted Father Michael's book as required reading for our catechism classes, and our Antiochian Women have recently begun using it as a study and refresher on the Orthodox Faith.

As we carry out our mission to evangelize and to bring the Apostolic Faith of our Fathers to our respective communities, every Church library and every pious Orthodox Christian home should have multiple copies of this book on hand--to read--to study--to give away!

Father James K. Hamrick
St. John the Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church
Lewistown, Maryland

I listened to this audiobook by Fr. Stephen Freeman while traveling this week. People often want to talk to me about eschatology. This book explains eschatology from the Orthodox Christian viewpoint. It's truly a fascinating viewpoint and it's the original viewpoint that Christians had right at the time of Pentecost. Although modern Christians may want to wow you with their understanding of eschatology, the original understanding of eschatology is the most important to understand (and most modern Christians don't understand it). Listen to this book and you will be very pleased with your study.

this book is amazing ! I love to reread this one . I have it highlighted and written in so I can find interesting topics quickly. I love to hear about the life of nuns in a monastery . very good read !

I love this book and recommend it to people frequently! It is funny, heart-warming, and truthful.

This book taught me a lot I hadn't placed my fingers on and reminded (renewed my mind) with other good and novel points buried in my subconscious. I'm a teacher and a parent and see the benefits and wisdom of raising a child this way and the consequences and failures of not doing so. This book taught me a lot I hadn't placed my fingers on and reminded (renewed my mind) with other good and novel points buried in my subconscious. Even as an educated and informed person, I was in a cave and feel much better equipped and inspired.

I am studying the Apostles. and early church. James Jewish perspective helped me understand the tradition. I recommend it for everyone.

I am very pleased and would do business again if the opportunity arose.

One of my favorite parenting books, I keep going back to it. Great, useful info. Eye opening. Thank you

For me, this book is life changing. It explains so many things in an easy to read or listen to manner. Things like truth is a promise, and why do many denominations.

I enjoyed reading the examples from his own family's experience and thought it was quite humble of him to point out his own mistakes.

It is well written, both readable and clear. Acedia is hard to get your mind around, but she presents it and the significance of time to it in an intriguing way. Towards the end she writes about the ways to bring Christian experience to bear on it in a healing fashion. Whether you call it acedia, depression, or despondency she has written a book with knowledge and healing in mind. You can only win with this choice.

The wisdom and simplicity of this book blow me away. Dr. Mamalakis is not only a deep thinker, but an exceptional writer, with a seemingly effortless perfection in writing technique (Strunk & White could do no better) and a winning, engaging style. The personal examples he gives so frequently from his own parenting struggles are honest, transparent, and real. They illustrate his points with a clarity I cannot recall experiencing, ever, in the many parenting books I have read over the last two decades. How I wish I had had this book when my kids were young! Be warned, though: This is not a book about managing children. This is a book about changing hearts, growing characters, and creating the desire to do right ' and not just the children's. It is a book about creating a family, not just about getting your kids to behave (though it definitely does that too, even with my teens). Okay, yes, I've also read other books about creating a family...but this one is different. It is doable. It is real. I wish I could give it six stars.

Beautifully written, wise, witty, and a pleasure to read.