Why an Orthodox Priest Became a Lutheran Pastor | Rev. Joshua Schooping

The Book of Common Prayer is a foundational liturgical text of the Anglican Communion. First published in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI, it was compiled primarily by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. The book includes complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship, such as Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, and services for baptism, confirmation, marriage, visitation of the sick, and burial. It has undergone several revisions, notably in 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662, with the 1662 version remaining the standard for most Anglican churches. The book is known for its beautiful language and its role in shaping Anglican doctrine and worship.

In this work, Lossky argues that all theology is mystical in the sense that it shows forth the divine mystery. He emphasizes that the Eastern tradition has never made a sharp distinction between mysticism and theology, or between personal experience of the divine mysteries and the dogma affirmed by the Church. The book delves into the concepts of apophaticism, asceticism, the Holy Trinity, uncreated energies of the Godhead, and the goal of Christian mysticism, which is theosis or union with God. Lossky draws heavily from the great mystical theologians of the Eastern Church to illustrate the inherent unity of thought on mysticism in the Eastern tradition.

Josiah Trenum's "Rock and Sand" delves into the theological and practical differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism. The book explores the historical context of these differences, highlighting the Eastern Orthodox perspective on the nature of the church and salvation. Trenum uses the metaphor of rock and sand to illustrate the stability of the Orthodox tradition versus the perceived instability of Protestantism. He challenges Protestant converts to critically examine their previous beliefs and fully embrace Orthodox teachings. The book serves as a guide for those transitioning from Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy.

The Book of Concord is a foundational document of the Lutheran Church, compiled in 1580. It includes the Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, and other key Lutheran writings. These documents establish the theological basis of Lutheranism, emphasizing agreement with Holy Scripture and unity among Lutherans.

Written in 1973, 'Knowing God' by J.I. Packer is a seminal work that divides into three main sections. The first section, 'Knowing the Lord,' focuses on how and why we know God, emphasizing the importance of listening to God’s word and understanding His nature. The second section, 'Behold Your God,' delves into the attributes of God such as His love, grace, wisdom, justice, and sovereignty. The third section explores the practical applications of knowing God, including the gospel message and what it means to live as a Christian. Packer stresses that knowing God is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt and voluntary application of truths about God to daily life, leading to a deeper fellowship with Him and a life of worship and obedience.

This book, now in its third edition, provides a detailed exploration of the Orthodox Church's history, beliefs, and practices. It covers topics such as the doctrine of deification, the role of sacraments, and the relationship between Orthodoxy and other Christian denominations. The book is widely regarded as a standard introduction to Eastern Christianity.

The Philokalia is a collection of writings by various Eastern Orthodox Christian spiritual fathers. It offers a comprehensive guide to the practice of Hesychasm, a contemplative tradition emphasizing inner stillness and prayer. The texts cover a wide range of spiritual topics, including prayer, repentance, and theosis (deification). The Philokalia has been influential in shaping Orthodox spirituality and has also resonated with seekers from other traditions. Its enduring appeal lies in its practical guidance for spiritual growth and transformation.