Introduction
Back to the Foreword
Forward to Chapter 1
As several commentators have said, the Orthodox Church is the best-kept secret in America. Because of this, many people are not familiar with her teachings, or confuse her with the Roman Catholic Church. Many of the doctrines of Orthodoxy will be discussed in this treatise, with an apologetic bent is towards Protestants. Much scripture will be discussed here, and I would encourage anyone reading this text to put aside his or her preconceived notions and critically examine whatever doctrines they may hold. My goal is to bring out the teachings of Orthodoxy, and demonstrate that they are consistent with the Scriptural, Historical and Ecclesial witness of the Church from its beginning. It is this consistent witness, through much adversity, that has brought us the truth of Christianity. Every major doctrine held by mainstream Protestants with regards to the person of Christ, His nature, His relationship to God and to us, was worked out by the Church during the first millennium.
The method and format, as well as the order of this document are in response to the doctrinal statement of my former Church, and responding to the claims made therein. There are certainly other methods of presenting this information, but since this document began as an apologetic work after my conversion to Holy Orthodoxy, it seemed best to simply leave it in that order.
One important thing that both the elders of my old Church and I have in common is that we all agree that there is objective, revealed truth. And that truth is not, and can never be, relative. Where we disagree is on what that truth is, and where to find it. Part of this treatise will cover exactly these issues.
I pray that everyone who reads this will do so with an open mind, with a Bible in hand and with access to some reference works on the early church. A reading list can be found in the appendix. Most of the books listed are currently available from various sources ( Amazon.com, Light and Life Publishing, Regina Orthodox Press and Conciliar Press). I have tried to avoid using out-of-print or hard to find books. Book references will usually have a direct link to Amazon.Com for your convenience.
May God guide you on your journey.
O God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon thy servants who read this work for whom I humbly pray thee, and commend to thy gracious care and protection. Be thou, O God, a guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of thy truth, and draw them nearer to thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in thy love and fear; doing they will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, for the merits of thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the intercessions of his Holy Mother, and thy blessed saints. Amen.
Service Book of the Holy Eastern Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church pp. 16-17
Foreword
Chapter 1 The Adams
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