Patrick Reardon has done me a wonderful service. I serve in a church that loves to sing the Psalms in worship (rather than hymns or other songs). One of my weekly goals is to show God's people that the Psalms are not just old covenant songs, but at their heart are truly centered on our Savior. Reardon's book does this, devoting a couple pages to each Psalm with the express mission of showing Jesus in each.

An example: Psalm 84 begins, "How lovely, Lord of hosts, are your tabernacles to me." Most of us could take a circuitous route to finding Christ in this phrase, but Reardon goes straight for the heart when he quotes Revelation 21:22, "But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple." Jesus is our tabernacle! Great stuff, great book - would be well-suited for personal and family worship.

As an evangelical protestant, I have significant theological differences with the author (and with parts of the book) and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that. But the substance of the book remains of a high enough quality for me to recommend it!

I was given this book to read by a fellow Methodist following our discussions regarding the disconcerting effect that certain seminaries have on sincere, loving Christian pastors. He had underlined a passage in which an older Christian warned a would-be student about unbelieving professors and the negative outcome of being taught by so-called "experts" in theological studies: those who have intellectualized and rationalized faith right out of their own Christian lives.

For some reason, it never occured to me that this book would be about Eastern Orthodoxy (so far removed have I been from any exposure to this branch of Christianity.)

Late one evening, I started reading Father Gillquist's open-hearted search for Ancient Christianity. It touched my heart and mind, and I could not put the book down.

If you long for spiritual wholeness and deep-down peace, read Father Gillquist's account of his journey from Evangelical Protestantism to the Ancient path. I believe you will find nothing offensive to your own beliefs, and will gain some real insight into this branch of Christianity that has changed little since the Apostolic days.

Intially I bought this book thinking - "What does a recluse know about raising children?" What I found out was - quite a bit!!!
How many of us want our children attaining salvation - hopefully all of us. St. Theophan takes you through infancy of your child(ren) to Young Adult and explains the impact the Church, parents, and those around the child will have on their spiritual lives. He gives some very practical advice as well: "One doctor from his own observation, testifies that for the most part when there are illnesses in children the children should be taken to Holy Communion, and very rarely does he have need to use later any kind of medical help. A great influence is exercised on the child by frequently taking him to Church, by having him kiss the holy Cross, the Gospel, the icons....Likewise, at home frequently placing him under icons, frequently signing him with the sign of the Cross, sprinkling him with holy water...." He addresses every stage of a child's development including the teenage years - "One must have a strong foundation so as to stand firm at this time against the shock-waves of youth." He not only addresses the craziness of the teenage years but he also gives practical advice of how to deal with your teenagers. I only stated a few of the spiritual examples. There's also an abundance of day to day advice. There is so much I would love to quote but cannot because of space. St. Theophan's love for children shines throughout this book. "Of all holy works, the education of children in the most holy." - St. Theophan the Recluse

I will be reading this one again. Mr. Oliver's poetic and soothing prose lulled me into the story of his wonderful transformation from a "seeker" to an Orthodox Christian. His account of Valaam and Elder Raphael are like an afternoon recollection--as if I can close my eyes and share in his memories.

As an enquirer into Orthodoxy myself, I really enjoyed reading Mrs. Mathewes-Green's book. She finds a way to blend the ancient and mystical side of Orthodoxy with the contemporary and modern culture of our time and have it all make sense. There are so many little aspects to this book that make it so great to read. Green educates you about the finer points of the Liturgy and Orthodox worship, but she doesn't beat you over the head with it. She discusses her family's pilgramage into the Orthodox Church, but she does so within the confines of personal stories that deal with a specific topic.
Some of the more memorable chapters in this book include the one where she discusses her experience at a Christian rock concert. The Orthodox Church believes that her worship is ancient, apostolic and should not be altered to suit the cultural climate of the times, yet at this event Green experienced a wilder and somewhat darker side to Christian worship that is very different that what Orthodoxy has to offer. I also liked the chapter where she describes her Christmas shopping venture with her daughter. Furthermore, I like the chapters discussing the Divine Liturgy ceremony of their particular parish, and the descriptions of all the different Church members. Since their parish is mostly a convert parish with few cradle Orthodox, it sounds like their worship is more lively and involves more participation than most Churhes that have mostly cradle Orthodox.
This is a great book to give to someone who doesn't understand what the Orthodox Church is, and how they approach worship and devotion. Green makes the material accessible, understandable, but also makes it educational and informative.

Peter Gillquist charts the journey that so many of us have been on. What makes their story particularly amazing is that they didn't start from Orthodoxy. In complete ignorance, these Campus Crusaders began to study and to search. When they discovered Orthodoxy, in typical Protestant fashion they set up their own Evangelical Orthodox Church. The remainder of the book chronicles their journey through theological and ecclesial waters, their attempts to overcome protestant proclivities against certain practices and their search for union with an Orthodox fellowship. What makes their story amazing is that they started from *nothing* but church history and the Bible. This journey is reflected in my own. I intend to buy copies for my family who cannot understand how I could become Orthodox. I expect it would be helpful for Protestants who have visceral reactions against any suggestion that one particular church might actually come close to embodying the "New Testament Church."

In a time when many Christian traditions are opting to negate the Christological nature of the Pslams, Fr. Patrick argues persuasively that the Pslams are the backbone to a proper understanding of the human condition, the heart of God, and the nature of Christ's incarnation. Following the traditional exegetical method of understanding the Old Testament in light of the resurrection, Fr. Patrick illuminates the psalter in a manner both academic and devotional. Apart of Lewis's book on the psalms, there is really not much else out there of this quality in both regards.
No previous knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is needed. It is not an intimidating read at all and it is the type of book that you will want to read over and over through the seasons. Very highly recommended!

Story of a mass conversion of evangelicals to Orthodoxy_Becoming Orthodox_ by Peter Gillquist is a first-person account of the spiritual journey of a group of evangelical Christians over a period of fifteen years to their reception into the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Many of them had been involved in Campus Crusade for Christ during the sixties and had remained in contact with each other during the seventies as they founded churches around the US. They agreed to study Church history to find out what the original New Testament Churches practiced. They noted from early Christian documents such as the writings of the Church Fathers that the Church had Bishops (ordained by the Apostles themselves), a hierarchial structure, Tradition, liturgical worship, communion as the literal Body and Blood of Christ, inscense, icons, the use of "Father" in addressing Priests, the veneration of the Virgin Mary as Theotokos ("God-bearer") and the Sign of the Cross. In examining the Schism of the Church in 1054 between Rome and the East, Gillquist and his fellow pastors acknowledged that Rome had erred in its Papal claims of universal authority over the Church, and the Western alteration of the Creed which originally stated that the Holy Spirit only proceeded from the Father, when now the Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (known as the "Filioque"). Gillquist and his affiliated group of churches, which they had labeled the Evangelical Orthodox Church, sought to join one of the Orthodox Churches in America. They were unsuccessful in meeting with the Patriarch of Constantinople, but they were reviewed and accepted by the Patriarch of Antioch and the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America. The style of this book is remarkably easy and engaging, especially when it comes to the discussion of the "Filioque" in the Creed, and appears to be quite popular among both Orthodox and non-Orthodox readers, which is one of this book's strengths.

Although I've read a handful of books more than once, "Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells" is the first book that finished and started right over again!
I am a former Evangelical who had raised many questions about the Protestant church, but continued to hang on for lack of an alternative. It wasn't until I heard about the Eastern Orthodox Church at a lecture given by Frank Schaeffer in 1997, that I began investigating this pearl of great price.
Gallatin's book appeals to me in that he asked many of the same questions I did, but with his philosophical background, he approached them in greater depth. One friend of mine says that he attacks the rationalism of Protestantism using a rationalistic argument. This may be true, but some of us coming out of this background need to have head questions answered before we can commit our heart. (Once you become Orthodox, you realize this is all backwards.)
In the final chapter of this book, Gallatin writes, "I pray that Protestant readers have been challenged to come to grips with the inescapable inconsistencies of their theological heritage. I hope many of their misconceptions regarding the ancient Orthodox Faith have been dispelled. Most of all, I hope I have helped them to see Christianity in the light of its historical truth and its sacramental spirit."
He continues in the next paragraph with, "When it comes to Orthodox readers, my prayer is that this book has nurtured within them a deeper appreciation of their faith. Perhaps they have come to understand it better. Most of all, I hope that they will be able to use the perspectives presented here to help them as they share the truth of their faith in a predominantly Protestant society."
I would agree that he's on target on both counts. I'd recommend this title to both Protestant inquirers and Orthodox "evangelists."

As a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity from Protestantism, I'm always looking for things pertaining to the Orthodox Church as it is in America, and without the overtones of being "Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, etc." This book does that.
The first part of the book is that of the author's personal journey to Orthodoxy. After decades of trying to find the "True Way" among various Protestant denominations, he still felt that something was *missing* in the Protestant view of the Church and of the world. He also goes on to elaborate just what it was that seemed to be missing or contradictory in Protestant doctrine, both specifically, and in general.
The second part of the book is almost a handbook as to what the Orthodox church may look like to those coming from a Protestant viewpoint. Things such as veneration of icons, formal prayers, and church tradition are discussed here in a way for those who probably have had very little experience with these things.
I, myself, am tickled to read about others' journeys to (and within) Orthodoxy, particularly in America. I just sent this book in a package to my mom. I don't know if she will read it, but if she does, I hope that she will at least come away knowing that me becoming Orthodox has everything to do with the church, and very little to do with me being fascinated with Russia or whatnot.

Thirsting for God is an excellent book for those who have come to see the problems in evangelical Christianity but cannot quite figure out what to do about it. The author spent many years searching, starting out as a 7th day Adventist, next a Fundamentalist, then a Charismatic (being a Pastor) and finally coming into Orthodoxy. The interesting parts of this book for me focused on the downfall of the Fundamentalist and the Charismatic doctrines, and their inability to explain why those who believe have huge questions that do not get answered such as "why is there no genuine transformation in my life" and "when is the Holy Spirit going to bear witness with my spirit that I am a child of God"? Gallatin has an interesting point of view, having been a pastor; he plainly describes the lack of insight he had. As a result, he gave the typical responses such as "pray about it", "read your bible" even describes the powerlessness he had to help those who sought his council.
The work is not scholarly; rather, it is a lay testimony. Read as such, it is very good.

Matthew Gallatin reports on his journey to the Ancient Christian Church. He began by asking himself "Do you know what you believe?", "Yes, you know what you believe. But is it the truth?"
Peter Gilquist in his book Becoming Orthodox, Clark Carlton in The Way: What Every Protestant Should Know about the Orthodox Church and Charles Bell in Discovering the Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy describe very similar journeys and struggles. They sorted through the false man-made doctrines of false teachers and prophets throughout history. And found their way back to the Church that the Lord himself founded in Matthew 16:18-19 and Ephesians 4:4-6. (Common Ground: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity by Jordan Bajis) is also highly recommended.

Many books I have read on Orthodox are very serious. (though that doesnt make them bad reads) Anyhow, this book was more upbeat light hearted. It tells the journey of ministers who finds their way back to the true church. There were a lot of excellent points in this book. It definately made big differences in my journey. In the end, the minister as well as the others, find their true home in The Orthodox Church. It is an informative and uplifting journey!

Those looking for a book "Orthodoxy for Dummies" will not find it in this book. Although some stuff is explained in the book, it is because it is part of the story, and pertinent to it.

This, however, is the story of how a group of former "Campus Crusade for Christ" leaders came to find the Orthodox faith after being disillusioned with the many flavours of Protestantism. They were intent on trying to find the "original Church", and through scholarship, prayer, and setbacks, they, along with about 2000 people, came to be Orthodox.
Not everything experienced was easy. First of all, these people were surprised at what they had found in their researching the early Church. Had this research not been done through many people, with the prevalent opinions on Orthodoxy in America, they probably would have thought that they had erred. Then, when it came down to a matter of logistics, it almost seemed that they had come down the path that they had for next to nil. However, sometimes when one experiences the deepest disappointments, one has to hold on just a bit longer to experience the joy. This is what happened here, and though they don't want to change the church, they are trying to help it be less misunderstood, especially in the American setting.
I couldn't put this book down. You could say that I am biased, also being an Orthodox convert with an Evangelical background, but for me it was nice to read something about Orthodoxy in an American context, which goes into the reasons behind why other Americans have converted.

This book really woke me up to the voice of Christ in the Psalms. Father Reardon spent years reflecting on the Psalms and that slow, deliberate approach shows in the heart and insights he gives in his book. If you're looking for a jiffy pop approach to Christianity then look else where. If you want to better understand the true importance of the Psalms to Christians then this book is a must have resource.

Being adapted from a 16th century work intended for Christian monks, one of the advnatages of this book is that it doesn't containt a lot of the modern psychobabble pep talk blabber that has infiltrated so much of 20th century inspiritual Christian writing. You'll find no advice here on how to increase your confidence or build your self-esteem--instead, you'll find out how to humble youself and submit to God's will. ("I must decrease so that He may increase...")
While this adaptation is intended for the layman, the original work was intended for monks... but ultimately the battlefield is the same. Monk or layman, all Christians are (or should be) waging war against sin in hopes of achieving union with God--the only perfect love and the only thing needful. This book a VERY helpful aid in that war should we practice what it says and not merely read it.

This was one of the very first books I read on my journey to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I found it to be personal and introspective. Gillquist asks and answers the questions that every Christian should ask themselves on page 24.
After reading the negative reviews of this book I would like people to understand that Gillquists book is one of many that should be read before arriving at ANY conclusions about Christian Orthodoxy. Highly recommended also are "The Faith" and "The Way" by Clark Carlton. Along with "The Orthodox Church" by Tim Ware and "Common Ground: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity for the American Christian" by Jordan Bajis and Frank Schaeffers "Dancing Alone" and anything by Fredrica Matthews-Green. "Discovering the Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy" by Charles Bell is similar to Gillquists book. As for reviewer justleavemealones crack about Metropolitans (Bishops in the Othodox Church)
Read Matthew 12:38-39 & Matthew 16:4.

Although this book is one of many written about the tragic deaths of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, it is different than those which often appear explotive. Gibbes's relationship with the Tsar and his family provides us with a deeper insight into the family life, and the unshakable rich faith of this noble family. The book is one of a kind, and an "easy" read. As one who has read many books on the subject of Russian hsitory, I could not recommend it more highly.

I found this book to be an excellent depiction of conversion to Orthodoxy. I learned a lot of interesting facts about Orthodoxy, although this book doesnt go into Orthodox history deeply. A handful of campus ministers search for the true church, and find their home in The Orthodox Church. I recommend reading a book about Orthodox history along with this book. This book will warm your heart, and may even identify with it, if you too are searching through Christianity.

I found this book to be an inspiring depiction of living modern life in an Orthodox way. The author did an excellent job at keeping me interested. It was a quick, easy read for me. It is so useful and touching to have an account written about keeping ancient traditions of morality in a modern world. So many are loosing their way. It is wonderful to know one can be in the world, but not of it.