The Spirituality Of The Christian East: A Systematic Handbook Volume 1 (Volume 79) (Cistercian Studies Series) Paperback – June 1, 1986

This book, comprising nearly 400 pages of well annotated, footnoted and referenced theology is a great introduction to Eastern Orthodox theology. The book covers theology based on:* A Life In God* The New Life* Christian Anthropology* Spiritual Cosmology* Spiritual Sociology* Negative Praxis* Flight From The World and Renunciation of the Flesh* Spiritual Warfare* Purification of the Passions* Positive Praxis* Prayer* ContemplationThe book does a great job of comparing and contrasting the differences between Eastern and Western Christianity, as well as explores the Greek and Coptic foundations of Eastern Christian thinking. Comparing the theology to teachings of Socrates, the Stoics and others, the reader is able to get a good handle on the basics of Eastern Christianity through both comparison and lecture.The book itself is partly a systematic theology text, so it isn't "easy reading", but it is GOOD reading. Worth picking up if you have interest in the subject.

A profound study of Eastern Christianity and its whole spiritual worldview from a Roman Catholic priest whose life was dedicated to studying the East. Pulling from the vast array of Greek Patristic literature and synthesizing it in such a coherent account is an accomplishment in and of itself. Doing that and then also incorporating the Syriac patristic heritage as well as Coptic, Ethiopian and Armenian texts puts Spidlik in a category of his own entirely. This is a profound contribution to the understanding of the Eastern Spiritual tradition. The only issue may be that you find yourself buying 100s more books that he has cited.

A small type encyclopedia on the title's subject. Good reference material, but for a limited audience. Leo

Very thought-provoking read - love Spidlik!

Scholarly. I ordered the second volume on Prayer!

My wife bought this for me many years ago. I really and completely enjoyed it. Some of the concepts I had to reread several times because it is different than Western spirituality. I gained so much and can return to refer to it when I converse with Eastern Christians. I would highly recommend it.

Very well organized and thorough. What impressed me so much about this introduction is how uniquely it combines clear and accessible writing with scholarly depth. I think that anyone regardless of theological education could pick up this book and learn a great deal. May you be blessed by the spiritual wisdom of the Christian East.

The book offers an in-depth study of the spirituality of orthodox catholic practices. well-organized, a delightful read. this book could very well be used to enhance one's own spiritual practices on a daily level.