The Eastern Orthodox Church

A New History

An insider's account of the Eastern Orthodox Church, from its beginning in the era of Jesus and the Apostles to the modern age.  

In this short, accessible account of the Eastern Orthodox Church, John McGuckin begins by tackling the question "What is the Church?" His answer is a clear, historically and theologically rooted portrait of what the Church is for Orthodox Christianity and how it differs from Western Christians' expectations.  

McGuckin explores the lived faith of generations, including sketches of some of the most important theological themes and individual personalities of the ancient and modern Church. He interweaves a personal approach throughout, offering to listeners the experience of what it is like to enter an Orthodox church and witness its liturgy. In this astute and insightful audiobook, he grapples with the reasons why many Western historians and societies have overlooked Orthodox Christianity and provides an important introduction to the Orthodox Church and the Eastern Christian World.

©2020 Yale University (P)2020 Mission Audio

A good historical overview

This book traverses the long and glorious path of the Eastern Orthodox Church from roots to stem. Covering the history and theological origins of many of the core tenants of this part of the church. It was a welcome introduction to a belief system and history I find myself more aligned with then my western evangelical roots and drawn in part to the monastic tradition and the focus on the walking out of ones belief.

Engaging!

It was very easy to follow, deep, and engaging. I spent hours during work listening. I hope more like it are produced.

Excellent book

Excellent history of the church. I strongly recommend listening to this audio. It was very informative.

Excellent Experience

I highly recommend this audio book. It is quite enjoyable and has a great amount of valuable information to share.

An interesting History

For as small of a book, overall, as this was, this history does a surprising amount in a short amount of time.

I'd likely classify this as a survey history, as it crosses major periods of time rather quickly. However, McGuckin does a great job at creating an over-arching view of the Eastern Orthodox Church from its beginnings in the Levant, through its expansion under the Byzantine Empire, its subjugation by the Muslim Empires and Caliphates, and finally through the 20th Century into Modern Times. A good read. Perkins does a good job at narrating this book as well.