Becoming Orthodox
A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith
By: Peter E. Gillquist
About This Book
This revised edition includes a new epilogue, 'Coming up on Twenty-Five Years' since the entry of the Evangelical Orthodox into the Holy Orthodox Church. This is the story of a handful of courageous men and their congregations who risked stable occupations, security and the approval of life-long friends to be obedient to God's call. It is also the story of every believer who is searching for the Church. Where Christ is Lord. Where holiness, human responsibility, and the sovereignty of God are preached. Where fellowship is more than a covered-dish supper in the church basement. And where fads and fashions take a backseat to apostolic worship and doctrine. This is a book, for Orthodox Christians, looking for ways to bring new life to their own Churches. It's also a book for those completely dissatisfied--those on their own search. And it's a book for Orthodox Christians, looking for renewal.
AI Overview
Title: "Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith" by Peter E. Gillquist
Plot Summary: The book "Becoming Orthodox" is a personal and historical account of Peter E. Gillquist's journey from evangelical Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy. It chronicles the experiences of a group of evangelical Protestants who, inspired by a call to return to the ancient Christian faith, embarked on a transformative journey. This journey involved leaving behind stable occupations, security, and the approval of lifelong friends to join the Antiochian Orthodox Church.
The narrative spans Gillquist's early days in Campus Crusade, the formation of the Evangelical Orthodox Church (EOC), and ultimately, their entry into the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The book is not just a personal memoir but also an exploration of the theological and spiritual reasons behind this transition. It highlights the search for a more authentic and apostolic form of Christianity, where Christ is Lord, and where holiness, human responsibility, and the Sovereignty of God are central to the faith.
Key Themes:
- Spiritual Quest: The book is a testament to the spiritual quest of believers seeking a deeper, more authentic form of Christianity.
- Theological Journey: It details Gillquist's theological journey from evangelical Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two traditions.
- Community and Fellowship: The narrative emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the Orthodox Church, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern church life.
- Apostolic Worship and Doctrine: The book underscores the significance of apostolic worship and doctrine in the Orthodox tradition, where sacraments are seen as real and essential to the faith.
Critical Reception:
- Promotional Purpose: Some critics argue that Gillquist's purpose in writing the book is promotional, aiming to draw evangelical Christians into the Antiochian Orthodox Church.
- Engaging Account: The book is praised for its engaging and sometimes moving account of a man's life, making it an important chapter in the history of American Evangelicalism.
- Theological Depth: While the book provides a rigorous defense of key Orthodox practices, it may disappoint those seeking a thorough, in-depth theological analysis.
- Historical Significance: The revised edition includes a new epilogue, "Coming up on Twenty-Five Years," which reflects on the significant events since the entry of the Evangelical Orthodox into the Holy Orthodox Church.
Overall, "Becoming Orthodox" is a compelling narrative that explores the personal and theological dimensions of a significant spiritual journey, offering insights into the appeal and practices of Eastern Orthodoxy for those seeking a more traditional and sacramental form of Christianity.