Thinking Orthodox: Understanding and Acquiring the Orthodox Christian Mind

By: Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou Ph.D.

Narrated by: Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou Ph.D.

What does it mean to "think Orthodox"? What are the unspoken and unexplored premises and presumptions underlying what Christians believe? Orthodox Christianity is based on preserving the mind of the early Church, its phronema.

Dr. Jeannie Constantinou brings her more than 40 years' experience as a professor, Bible teacher, and speaker to bear in explaining what the Orthodox phronema is, how it can be acquired, and how that phronema is expressed in true Orthodox theology - as practiced by those who are properly qualified by both training and a deep relationship with Christ.

©2020 Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou, Ph.D. (P)2021 Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou, Ph.D.

Informative and well written but be warned...

I was initially put off by the slow reading pace which the narrator uses but once I got used to it I didn't really mind. If you're the sort who gets impatient when someone is speaking slowly then I would recommend sampling before you buy. The author has many opinions and makes no attempt to disguise them so if you think you might be bothered by that then I would also advise you to be wary. I was able to accept those two aspects of the book and move past them but not everyone may find it so easy to do so. I do believe that it was worth the effort because I learned a lot from the book in spite of these minor distractions. The actual content is pretty informative and there is plenty of wisdom and insight to be found in it.

Contributed to my Conversion to Orthodoxy

The way the Eastern Orthodox Church thinks may seem counterintuitive at first, but, it makes perfect sense when taken seriously. This was a huge influence in my leaving of Protestantism becoming Orthodox. Christ is truly present here! I also always enjoy audiobooks read by the author!

Capture the Mind of Christ

I'm new to Orthodoxy and I have a to say this book teaches on so many levels. History, Sociology, Psychology, and of course Christianity.

For the new seeker to the born orthodox, I think all will be enriched by this book.

Very insightful but has a couple editing problems

I started reading this during my catechism as a supplement to the books suggested by my priest. Between my busy school, work, catechism, and exercise schedule, it took me months to get through this book. Ultimately, it taught me a lot about fronima and why the Orthodox oppose the Roman Catholics much more strongly than I would.

I happened to notice a couple of outtakes were left in, particularly in the later parts of the book. Additionally, the author states that summing up Orthodoxy as 'tradition' is faulty 20 minutes before she herself does exactly that. Despite these minor errors, this is a great overview of Orthodox thinking for the Westerner.

Mind bending and so so good

Mind bending and so so good. I’m on my way to joining the Orthodox coming from all things Protestant. This book help clarify and solidify so much for me. Must read!!

Most thankful

The thing I am most thankful for in the Orthodox Christian Church is the phronima. The thing so hard to truly describe that shapes the whole family.
This is a great book. I love all the work the author puts out. Looking forward to a second listen and future titles.

A note on reading: the author reads slowly, but sped up to 1.3, it is perfect.

Fantastic

Such an enlightening book. Truly a great book for today. All Christians should read this.

Mind blowing

As a former Protestant? I cried listening to it, because my heart longed for this.

This is such a good book.

Very eye opening! I'm so glad I picked up this book 😊. I converted to orthodoxy from western Christianity, and I quickly noticed how my thought process was something that needed a shift.

Attention Ortho Bros

Presbytera Theologian Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou explains what the Orthodox Phronema is and what it is not. This book should be read by as many Orthodox Christians and catechumens as possible. Especially if you interact online with the non Orthodox. She speaks with motherly wisdom and the authority of one who knows from long experience and training that which she speaks. Ortho Bros and gals would do well to head her admonitions. She definitely corrected me.