Publishers Weekly
01/06/2020
McGuckin (The Book of Mystical Chapters), an emeritus professor of early Christianity and Byzantine studies, traces the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church from its founding to the present in this lucid if sometimes tough-going introduction. McGuckin’s opening explanation of Orthodox theology often veers into the abstract while breaking down “apostolic traditions,” but it serves as useful grounding for the rest of the book by shedding light on historical events such as the split between the Western Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. With the majority of the book rushing over 2,000 years of history—the Ecumenical councils of the first millennia CE, the 11th century Great Schism—McGuckin’s telling is engrossing but often overwhelming, and most readers with little knowledge of the material would benefit from more explanation of how the various branches of the church relate to one another. The closing chapters are more accessible, introducing notable 20th-century Orthodox figures and discussing what to expect when visiting an Orthodox church, from respect for icons to standing during prayer services. McGuckin’s thorough history will appeal to readers with a deep interest in non-Western forms of Christianity. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
[A] worthwhile book. . . . [McGuckin] knows how to address a non-Orthodox audience, presenting in a relatively short book most of what needs to be known about two millennia of Christian history.”—Diarmaid MacCulloch, New York Review of Books“McGuckin is consistently energetic and constructively provoking in his narrative . . . [and] offers some first-rate treatments of theology and the ethos of Orthodox worship.”—Rowan Williams, Times Literary Supplement“A triumph. . . . A book that will be read and pondered for decades to come.”—Andrew Louth, Los Angeles Review of Books“Lucid . . . engrossing . . . [a] thorough history.”—Publishers Weekly“A succinct history . . . approachable and interesting.”—Mark Lardas, Ricochet“An approachable, readable account that illuminates not only the history of Orthodoxy but also its practices. . . . A welcome contribution.”—David Barshinger, Exploring Church History (blog)“An engaging, sophisticated yet accessible, account of the Orthodox Church—its self-understanding, theology, sacramental life, and history—from the time of the New Testament through its long pilgrimage in the East and more recently into the West. One of the best introductions available.”—John Behr, author of The Mystery of Christ“This is a rich, fascinating history, from the beginning of Christianity to Patristics and contemporary Orthodoxy, by an outstanding scholar. It includes inspiring intellectual and mystical figures, importantly not only men, but also women, like Elisabeth Behr-Sigel.”—Ilaria L. E. Ramelli, Durham University“This clear, lively and erudite book, comprehensive in its brevity, is an honest and ultimately hopeful account of the living tradition of faith from the apostolic times to our day—a true salvation history.”—The Rev’d Canon John McLuckie“This book has the potential to become one of the most important introductions to the Eastern Christian world.”—George E. Demacopoulos, author of Colonizing Christianity: Greek and Latin Religious Identity in the Era of the Fourth Crusade“John McGuckin, one of today’s most astute and prolific exponents of Eastern Orthodoxy, leads us into the deepest historical and theological roots of the Orthodox tradition. With fresh insight, McGuckin orients non-Orthodox readers to the internal life and practices of Orthodox churches and imaginatively projects the unique vocation of Orthodoxy in a postmodern world.”—Paul M. Blowers, Milligan University
Library Journal
★ 02/01/2020
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a religion that has endured since the times of Christ and is a continuation of apostolic tradition. Oxford professor and archpriest McGuckin (The Orthodox Church) has written a fascinating look at the rich history of the second largest-Christian church in the world, after the Roman Catholic Church. This accessible and comprehensive book provides a plethora of research for better understanding the church's roots and fundamentals. McGuckin takes readers through the journey of how the church first shaped its identity through the apostles, and how it has established its current form today. The foundation of the church has remained the same and is proclaimed by the Nicene Creed. McGuckin also looks into the many different persecutions the church has experienced throughout the centuries, as well as the ongoing struggle to maintain certain traditions and beliefs. VERDICT McGuckin presents another well-written and well-researched work in this fantastic introduction to the Eastern Orthodox Church.—Gus Palas, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL
