"One of the best introductions available to the Eastern Orthodox Church and its theology. The comparisons and contrasts make for fascinating reading and clearly illuminate the main issues. This book will find its way into many syllabi."
James J. Stamoolis, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, Trinity College and Trinity Graduate School, and author of Eastern Orthodox Mission Theology Today
"For anyone interested in learning more about Eastern Orthodoxy, James R. Payton, Jr. leads his reader on an informative tour through the theology and practices of this tradition. Payton deeply appreciates what he finds in the Orthodox tradition and urges his Western readers to do the same."
Calvin Theological Journal, April 2010
"Payton provides a sympathetic introduction to Orthodox theology for Western Christians, especially Protestants. His aim is not merely to inform, but also to enrich and deepen Western theological traditions and faith practices."
Amy Plantinga Pauw, Christian Century, May 6, 2008
"In a day when people look to the Far East for truth and light, Dr. Payton suggests that they consider the Christian East as well. This ancient tradition gets us away from the weary Catholic-Protestant split and opens up rich possibilities for fresh reflection. This book feeds one's soul and quickens one's intellect."
Clark H. Pinnock, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, McMaster Divinity College
"Light From the Christian East can illuminate the pathway of our Christian pilgrimage and help us better recognize how to journey through this life to the hope set before us."
Ed Harris in Criswell Theological Review, Spring 2008
"This is a book for those who want a more comprehensive vision of the Christian faith without feeling the need to convert to the Orthodox Church. It ably and accurately provides information on major themes in Orthodox theology while inspiring readers to embrace all that is holy and right within it."
Bradley Nassif, professor of biblical and theological studies, North Park University (Chicago)
"This is a lucidly written, highly approachable book that highlights some of the key distinctions between the 'Christian East' and the 'Christian West.' It shows the theological thinking of the Orthodox East to be the best-kept secret in the West. It will invite other studies that will rightly seek to draw the lines a little less sharply, but such responses will benefit greatly from the clarity of Payton's preliminary exposition."
Peter Bouteneff, D.Phil., assistant professor of dogmatic theology, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
"For Evangelicals interested in understanding Orthodoxy, Payton?s book is an excellent study, it will also give many a better idea of how outsides might look at our own faith."
Faith Today, Nov/Dec 2007
"James R. Payton Jr. has written a clear, concise and appreciative introduction to the unique contributions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I was glad that I read his book."
Daniel B. Clendenin, author of Eastern Orthodox Christianity:A Western Perspective, www.journeywithjesus.net
"James Payton has combined his thorough familiarity with Eastern Orthodoxy--her history, theology and practice--with a gracious and respectful sensibility, and produced a book that is inviting, accessible and more content-rich than an introductory work is expected to be. Light from the Christian East is an excellent book."
Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of The Illumined Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation
