Essential Books for Young Indian Orthodox Christians
Here's my list of recommendations along with recommendations of others:
1) Orthodox Study Bible- Same RKJV Bible but with excellent notes in the margins. Also there are a few great articles on sacraments and theology as well.
2) Orthodox Way- Bishop Kallistos: This is one of those standard readings for new converts. It can tend to be a bit abstract, but definitely worth the read.
3) Becoming Orthodox- Fr. Guillqist: I like this book better than Orthodox Way, personally. It's more relevant for us because the predominant mindset we're
up "against" is similar to the Bible-based fellowships which Fr. Gillqist migrated away from into Orthodoxy. He also goes point by point through a lot of
theological issues.
4) On the Incarnation- St. Athanasius: This strikes me as more inspiring and devotional than strictly theological. It's also readily available online, along
with the other patristic writings on my list.
5) Mystagogical Catecheses- St. Cyril of Jerusalem: This is another good reference for point by point introduction into Orthodox thinking. St. Cyril is
teaching an audience very similar to the reader, which would be catechists interested in learning more.
6) First Apology- Justin Martyr- Important to read to see the worship patterns of the early Christian Church. Hopefully one would see the continuity between
us and them.
7) Mere Christianity- CS Lewis: This book is Orthodox in everything but name only. Lewis makes reference to the Eucharist as well as the need to be theologically coherent.
8) West Syrian Liturgical Theology- This book is extremely academic and must be "graduated" into. However it is very thorough, and perhaps one of the
more intellectual works written by one of "us."
9) The Eucharist- Fr. Schmemmann: This is another excellent work on the Eucharist. I think Fr. Schmemmann's explanation of Orthodox symbolism is very
important for everyone to understand. It does reference specific aspects of the Byzantine liturgy, but I think it's still understandable.
10) Christians of Kerala: Life among the Yakoba- Susan Visvanathan: This is the only book like this I've read. I'm not sure if there are any sociological
studies of our Church people otherwise. I didn't particularly want to read it when I checked it out, but I found it was actually quite engaging.
From Dn Gregory Varghese:
"Utmost for His Highest"- Oswald Chambers
From Dn Paul Cherian:
"BOUNDARIES"- by: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
"TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE"- Mitch Albom
"FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, HOLY FAITH- A Handbook for Youth- Fr. A.K. Cherian
"EXPERIENCING JESUS WITH MOTHER TERESA"- by: Jean Maalouf
1) Orthodox Study Bible- Same RKJV Bible but with excellent notes in the margins. Also there are a few great articles on sacraments and theology as well.
2) Orthodox Way- Bishop Kallistos: This is one of those standard readings for new converts. It can tend to be a bit abstract, but definitely worth the read.
3) Becoming Orthodox- Fr. Guillqist: I like this book better than Orthodox Way, personally. It's more relevant for us because the predominant mindset we're
up "against" is similar to the Bible-based fellowships which Fr. Gillqist migrated away from into Orthodoxy. He also goes point by point through a lot of
theological issues.
4) On the Incarnation- St. Athanasius: This strikes me as more inspiring and devotional than strictly theological. It's also readily available online, along
with the other patristic writings on my list.
5) Mystagogical Catecheses- St. Cyril of Jerusalem: This is another good reference for point by point introduction into Orthodox thinking. St. Cyril is
teaching an audience very similar to the reader, which would be catechists interested in learning more.
6) First Apology- Justin Martyr- Important to read to see the worship patterns of the early Christian Church. Hopefully one would see the continuity between
us and them.
7) Mere Christianity- CS Lewis: This book is Orthodox in everything but name only. Lewis makes reference to the Eucharist as well as the need to be theologically coherent.
8) West Syrian Liturgical Theology- This book is extremely academic and must be "graduated" into. However it is very thorough, and perhaps one of the
more intellectual works written by one of "us."
9) The Eucharist- Fr. Schmemmann: This is another excellent work on the Eucharist. I think Fr. Schmemmann's explanation of Orthodox symbolism is very
important for everyone to understand. It does reference specific aspects of the Byzantine liturgy, but I think it's still understandable.
10) Christians of Kerala: Life among the Yakoba- Susan Visvanathan: This is the only book like this I've read. I'm not sure if there are any sociological
studies of our Church people otherwise. I didn't particularly want to read it when I checked it out, but I found it was actually quite engaging.
From Dn Gregory Varghese:
"Utmost for His Highest"- Oswald Chambers
From Dn Paul Cherian:
"BOUNDARIES"- by: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
"TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE"- Mitch Albom
"FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, HOLY FAITH- A Handbook for Youth- Fr. A.K. Cherian
"EXPERIENCING JESUS WITH MOTHER TERESA"- by: Jean Maalouf
posted by street theologian @ 10:52 AM
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