Light from the Christian East - by James R Payton (Paperback)

About the Book

James R. Payton, Jr. introduces us to Eastern Orthodox history, theology and practice. For all readers interested in ancient ecumenical Christian theology and spirituality, this book is especially open and sympathetic to what evangelicals can learn from orthodoxy.

Book Synopsis

James R. Payton, Jr. introduces us to Eastern Orthodox history, theology and practice. For all readers interested in ancient ecumenical Christian theology and spirituality, this book is especially open and sympathetic to what evangelicals can learn from orthodoxy.

Review Quotes

"Light From the Christian East can illuminate the pathway of our Christian pilgrimage and help us better recognize how to journey through this life to the hope set before us."

"For anyone interested in learning more about Eastern Orthodoxy, James R. Payton, Jr. leads his reader on an informative tour through the theology and practices of this tradition. Payton deeply appreciates what he finds in the Orthodox tradition and urges his Western readers to do the same."

"For Evangelicals interested in understanding Orthodoxy, Payton's book is an excellent study, it will also give many a better idea of how outsides might look at our own faith."

"In a day when people look to the Far East for truth and light, Dr. Payton suggests that they consider the Christian East as well. This ancient tradition gets us away from the weary Catholic-Protestant split and opens up rich possibilities for fresh reflection. This book feeds one's soul and quickens one's intellect."

"James Payton has combined his thorough familiarity with Eastern Orthodoxy--her history, theology and practice--with a gracious and respectful sensibility, and produced a book that is inviting, accessible and more content-rich than an introductory work is expected to be. Light from the Christian East is an excellent book."

"James R. Payton Jr. has written a clear, concise and appreciative introduction to the unique contributions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I was glad that I read his book."

"One of the best introductions available to the Eastern Orthodox Church and its theology. The comparisons and contrasts make for fascinating reading and clearly illuminate the main issues. This book will find its way into many syllabi."

"Payton provides a sympathetic introduction to Orthodox theology for Western Christians, especially Protestants. His aim is not merely to inform, but also to enrich and deepen Western theological traditions and faith practices."

"This is a book for those who want a more comprehensive vision of the Christian faith without feeling the need to convert to the Orthodox Church. It ably and accurately provides information on major themes in Orthodox theology while inspiring readers to embrace all that is holy and right within it."

"This is a lucidly written, highly approachable book that highlights some of the key distinctions between the 'Christian East' and the 'Christian West.' It shows the theological thinking of the Orthodox East to be the best-kept secret in the West. It will invite other studies that will rightly seek to draw the lines a little less sharply, but such responses will benefit greatly from the clarity of Payton's preliminary exposition."

About the Author

James R. Payton Jr. (Ph.D., University of Waterloo, Canada) is a professor of history at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. He has studied and been in dialogue with Eastern Orthodoxy for many years, and has lectured and written extensively on Orthodoxy and Protestant-Orthodox relations. He is president of Christians Associated for Relationships with Eastern Europe.