Would like to learn more

[ChristianPilot]

Hi everyone,
I'd like to learn more about the orthodox denomination in general. Mostly about it's beliefs and what sets it apart from other denominations. Can anyone direct me to a website or something to help me learn about this?

Thanks in advance!

[Protoevangel]

One of the best intros I know of is a two part podcast from Our Life in Christ.

Steve and Bill Host a Protestant Radio Program (http://audio.ancientfaith.com/ourlife/TallmanOLIC_122706.mp3)
The Andrew Tallman Show Hour Two (http://audio.ancientfaith.com/ourlife/ATallmanPt2OLIC_012107.mp3)Each podcast is about an hour long. They are light-hearted, fun, and easy to understand. If you like them, you can find their current shows and archives at: http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/ourlife/

[ChristianPilot]

Great, I'll check those out. Thanks for the info!

[Orthosdoxa]

Welcome. :wave:

I come from a Baptist background, and this is a little web page I assembled for my family members, who were, shall we say, confused by my conversion.

http://stienekel.tripod.com/

Please feel free to ask any questions you like.

[ChristianPilot]

Thanks! I'll look into the links on your website.

If you don't mine me asking, what was the biggest reason you decided to convert to the orthodox church?

I went to non-denominational churches and schools when I was young so I don't really have a "home" church or denomination to go to. I like the idea of the orthodox religion because it dates back to the foundation of Christianity and supposedly hasn't changed much since then.

[Orthosdoxa]

Thanks! I'll look into the links on your website.

If you don't mine me asking, what was the biggest reason you decided to convert to the orthodox church?

I went to non-denominational churches and schools when I was young so I don't really have a "home" church or denomination to go to. I like the idea of the orthodox religion because it dates back to the foundation of Christianity and supposedly hasn't changed much since then.

You answered your own question! ;)

what was the biggest reason you decided to convert to the orthodox church

I like the idea of the orthodox religion because it dates back to the foundation of Christianity and supposedly hasn't changed much since then

I had become thoroughly convinced that Protestantism simply could NOT be true. Sola Scriptura, the backbone of it, is inconsistent at best and ungodly at worst. I was pretty sure I still believed in Jesus, though, so I went looking to see if there was anything out there that made more sense, that had foundations past 1517 and didn't need to be "re-created", having been "lost". I investigated Orthodoxy for 2 years - it was a huge, painful change to make, to unlearn so much of what I'd been taught. But I've never looked back.

[Nichole]

:wave: HELLO ChristianPilot!!!! :wave: Glad to have you here! Do you live near an Orthodox church? My first experience at a Divine Liturgy was AWESOME! I just sat there in awe, absorbing all the beauty around me, etc. Feel free to ask away here!!!! :)

[Saint Melania]

Welcome to TAW! :hug:

[flod logic]

There's a church locator on www.orthodoxyinamerica.com (http://www.orthodoxyinamerica.com) that could be useful if you're looking for a local Orthodox church to visit or have any questions for a priest.

[Forest]

Here is a link to an introduction to Orthodoxy podcast.

http://www.stcatherinechurch.org/audio/classes

[ChristianPilot]

Wow! I wasn't expecting such a big response! Thanks to everyone for the info, help, and such a warm welcome. According to http://www.orthodoxyinamerica.com/ there are several churches in my area. I've decided to force myself to get over a few unfounded fears/inhibitions I have regarding church and start trying them out.

I guess I've got a lot of research and soul searching ahead of me to decide if this is the right choice for me. It's good to know that there's a great community here to support me in this. Thanks again!

[Nichole]

Not a problem...............you are always welcome! That is great there are churches in your area to attend! I am sure you will love it! :)

[ThePosterFormerlyKnownAs]

Here (http://www.frederica.com/writings/men-and-church.html) is a great article by Frederica Mathewes-Green about men and Church and what draws men to Orthodoxy. I hope you enjoy it.

And welcome to TAW.

[Philothei]

Welcome and Christ is born :)

Philothei

[Akathist]

There are some very interesting stories about conversions in this huge thread: http://christianforums.com/t3005537-conversions-to-orthodoxy.html

[Macarius]

Welcome to TAW! I also come from a non-denominational background.

You also might check out www.oca.org (http://www.oca.org)

They have a great section "about orthodoxy" (http://www.oca.org/OCIndex.asp?SID=2)

In particular, you may find the Q & A section helpful.

I also highly recommend picking up a copy of Kalistos Ware's "The Orthodox Church" (http://www.amazon.com/Orthodox-Church-New-Timothy-Ware/dp/0140146563/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198830113&sr=8-1) and its companion book 'The Orthodox Way.'

Those will provide a very thorough, even handed, well-written introduction to Orthodoxy in general. Alongside attending Orthodox services and talking to a priest, that should get you started!

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
-Macarius

[WarriorAngel]

:crossrc: May your journey be fruitful. :)

[MrJim]

Here (http://www.frederica.com/writings/men-and-church.html) is a great article by Frederica Mathewes-Green about men and Church and what draws men to Orthodoxy. I hope you enjoy it.

And welcome to TAW.

Great article...and so true.

[resoto]

Great article. Now I understand the modern fascination in the West with military orders like the Templars.