We began reading this for Lent in our prayer group and it has been really good - both for reading and discussing. The author has done a very good job of making this classic work accessible to lay people. I am very glad our priest suggested this book.

This book was very helpful in my own journey to Orthodoxy. It gave me insights that helped to open my eyes and my understanding of what Orthodoxy really is.

A much needed, articulate statement of Orthodox teaching on Atonement. I am so glad this book is now available. The Orthodox teaching on redemption/atonement has for a long time been eclipsed by Latinizing theories epitomized by Anselm of Canterbury. Fr Patrick Henry Reardon's masterful and articulate work will go a long way to remedying this.

Insightful, written as lovingly as possible, with clear admission of the difficulty of not being perceived as condemnatory when discussing same-sex attraction. Probably the most valuable contribution of Father Tom is his clearly-expressed skepticism of the willingness to change attitudes toward same-sex attraction (and the Gospel) as result of scientific discoveries--after all, science can only study the fallen world. This book isn't perfect, but it certainly gives a clear introduction to Orthodox approaches to same-sex attraction and shows that love and gentleness can be expressed when dealing with this topic.

What a wonderful book. Second time through it.

A person doesn't have to be Orthodox in their faith to gain understanding from this thoughtful book. The content encourages personal and spiritual action, and I appreciate that very much. I also like the overall tone of this book. It is not preachy or stuffy, and it explains the concepts found in John Climacus', The Ladder of Divine Ascent, in such a way that we non-ascetics can still participate in the discussion. I particularly enjoyed the last chapters, which explain well the ever-deepening walk with God.

I love this book, i identified with his background as a protestant. I was given this book by a deacon while I was in college and it helped answer some questions coming from a protestant perspective and today I am Orthodox and never going back to having only a portion of the faith.

Excellent.

These wicks burn for a LONG time.

Love his sense of humor and he leaves no doubt that, while entertaining and enlightening you, God is real and alive within his every thought and action. Yet you are left with a feeling that he is still "one of us" and you would like to hang out with him. Wish more of our spirtual leaders were more like him.

What a great, well researched story. I read about the Romanovs from Helen Rappaports books and was delighted to read about the professor to the children. So happy I stumbled upon this gem.

I was seeking to learn more about Orthodoxy and this book was perfect. He writes not only of his own personal story, but answers many significant theological questions along the way. This book was completely satisfying.

gripping

An absolutely wonderful and extremely enjoyable book that I literally could not put down. I LOVE theology, and I equally love people and hearing/reading about their lives and journeys. This book is an autobiographical work of a journey from Judaism to Christianity. Within the book is a plethora of rich history, both American and Judaic, that expresses such beauty through the eyes of a NY city Jew. One learns Old Testament understanding/interpretation as was always understood by the very Jews whom Jesus came to in His incarnation. His journey is laid out with vivacity and intriguing detail as he retells his pilgrimage to Christendom, from his Evangelical Protestantism (as one of the main faces in the Jews for Jesus movement) to traditional Christianity and worship as seen in Orthodox Judaism. Within the book one not only walks along his life journey, but encounters history, theology, apologetics, and wisdom. I HIGHLY recommend!!

With the hand of a painter, the pen of a poet, and inspired by the breath of God, When God Made You imagines a collection of international children at the moment of their creation. The author and the illustrator have brilliantly selected tiny objects, bright colors, unusual sounds, swirling verbs and winding adjectives to create a child. Each child from near and far countries around the world is given a gift for life. To sing, to pray, to run, to dance, to lead, to build, to plant, to explore, to paint . . . . Every illustration and word are ways of making anew the glory of God’s own work. What beautiful things was God thinking when He made you?

Wonderful read

When God Made You is a unique children’s book that incorporates poetry and breathtaking illustrations that inspire both children and adults into finding what makes them special. Each page has a paragraph filled with synonyms and visual imagery explaining how God designed every child in a unique way. I enjoyed turning the page to read the next description/child. Every name in the book displays a different country and implements colorful adjectives that explain every child’s character and environment. The final sentences declare who God says what they are with an action word. The vibrant colors and beautiful illustrations pull the reader in. I was an educator for seven years and I kept thinking of what a fun writing assignment this would be for fourth or fifth grade students to write their own “page.”

With the completion of the book came my favorite pages. The first has a border that explains the meaning and origin of all the names used. It also includes verses, a blessing, and descriptive words to help explain your own little ones’ strengths. The second page has baby pictures of both the author and illustrator, which were adorable. I would suggest this book to children of all ages.

Its been a blessing to read this book. I love it.

This latest book by Patrick Reardon is a richly deep and encyclopedic treasure of theological insight and spiritual nourishment. Though writing from the tradition of the Orthodox Church Fr Reardon's knowledge and embrace of the broadest wealth of Christian reflection is evident throughout. I highly commend this book for pastors and thoughtful readers from every Christian community. All will find great treasure for mind and heart.

I read this book the month before I was chrismated. Almost every essay moved me to tears, as Carlson gives voice to my heart's yearnings and anxieties.When I converted, I joined an Orthodox parish full of people so different from myself, I wondered how I really could belong to the Church. Reading 'Nearly Orthodox' allowed me to journey with a woman who had gone before me, who wrestled with many of the same questions, doubts, and stumbling blocks that I had to work through. Carlson not only expresses my anxieties, but I experience her peace as she knocks down strongholds, or learns truths, or simply learns to press on despite ambivalence. Vignettes continue to come to mind to encourage me as I stumble through my praxis.I bought two more copies and gave one to my sponsor and one to my daughter-in-law. My (pierced and tattooed) 22-year-old daughter-in-law finished reading it the night before her baptism. She said it was just what she needed just when she needed it. My copy disappeared, then reappeared a week later. My 87-year-old mother (another modern woman) had borrowed it. Who knows. Maybe there's another chrismation in the offing.