Bradley Nassif

In the essays offered in this book, Bradley Nassif argues that an evangelical (gospel) vision is embedded in the entire structure of the Church, and that it must be kept clear and central for local parishes to flourish. He also explores the elements of faith that Orthodox and Evangelicals share, without glossing over their differences, thus offering a means of mutual understanding and enrichment. He concludes by documenting the background of an emerging global dialogue between the two traditions. Dr Nassif "is the leading world-expert on the dialogue of the Orthodox Church with Evangelical Protestant traditions." - Fr John McGuckin (Oxford University)

According to William Leach, religious communities that have come to North America have not been able to withstand the damaging influence of its consumer-oriented society which has subverted ecclesial customs, values, and practices. Rather than resisting, most of these groups have sought to integrate Christianity into the new culture. By doing so, they run the risk of marginalizing the church and fundamentally altering its teachings and practice. Of course, the real danger does not reside in the occasional use of isolated elements of our culture, the unreflected application of any technology available, the replacement of traditional ecclesial practices with the techniques of the business world, or even the substitution of ecclesial foundations of authority. Rather, danger lies in a set of fundamental principles that together define a basic orientation which is naturally and almost mindlessly attracted to these secular devices, sees no harm in them, justifies and amplifies their effects, and effectively supplants the mind of Christ which is supposed to govern the church. This study analyzes and documents the effects of that mindset and calls us back to the biblical and traditional alternatives that alone can bring healing and recovery to the church.

The Orthodox Church has been characterized by some as ""the best-kept secret in North America."" Making use of personal interviews and correspondence, magazine and news articles, and other publications, Timothy Cremeens weaves the story of a spiritual renewal movement that began in the United States in the early 1960s and rapidly spread around the globe touching millions of Roman Catholics and Protestants, what is today called the Charismatic Renewal Movement. In 2017, this Movement, celebrated its 50th Jubilee anniversary in the Roman Catholic Church. However, Cremeens presents here the never-before heard story of that Movement among the Orthodox Churches in North America. He recounts the history of this spiritual renewal movement through the first-hand accounts and eyewitnesses of Orthodox clergy and laity who testify to their life-changing encounters with the Holy Spirit. ""This book is the first in its kind and has at least two important implications: theologically, Orthodox Charismatics can robustly explore a rich link between marginality and the Spirit's empowering presence, and globally, the research can encourage similar studies from around the world forging a network of Orthodox Charismatics."" --Wonsuk Ma, Professor of Global Christianity, Graduate School of Theology and Ministry, Oral Roberts University Timothy Cremeens, an ordained Orthodox priest, is Dean and Pastor of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral (Orthodox Church in America) in Wilkes Barre, PA. He serves as the Interim Dean of Grace Graduate School of Ministry, Twin Falls, ID, Adjunct Instructor of Theology at King's College, Wilkes Barre, PA, and Instructor in Church History at William Seymour College, Lanham, MD.