Light from the Christian East
An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition
By James R. Payton Jr.


"Do they really pray to icons?" "Why do they use incense?" "What do they believe?"

To many people, the Orthodox Christian tradition (or Eastern Orthodoxy) seems unfamiliar and mysterious. Yet this tradition is arguably the most faithful representative of early Christianity in existence today and numbers roughly 250 million adherents worldwide. What's more, a steady stream of evangelical Christians has been entering the Orthodox Church in recent decades. Isn't it time we gained a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy?

In Light from the Christian East, James Payton gives us just that. With a sympathetic eye and even hand, he ushers readers into the world of Orthodox Christianity--its history, theology and religious practices. In doing so, he clears away the confusion and misunderstandings that often prevent non-Orthodox Christians from fully appreciating the riches of this ancient tradition. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Orthodox Christianity.


Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Prologue

1. Historical Perspectives
2. Western Reactions
3. Orthodoxy's Approach to Doctrine
4. Talking About God
5. The Creator and the Creation
6. Humanity as Created and Fallen
7. The Accomplishment of Salvation
8. The Application of Salvation
9. What is Grace?
10. Going to Church
11. Icons
12. Tradition and Scripture
13. Prayer

Epilogue
For Further Reading
Name Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index