Whose Orthodoxy? Evangelical or Eastern: Testing the Traditions, Resting in Christ

In recent years, something curious is happening in the church scene. Some Evangelicals are drawn to the Eastern Orthodox Church (or to Roman Catholicism). The ancient churches offer an alternative to liberal mainline Protestant churches and theologically compromised charismatic and Evangelical churches. They reject the LGBTQ+ agenda, promote protective masculinity, and stand for pro-life issues. While many Christians would still affirm these values, what else is involved in the trade-off? What about the authority of scripture or tradition? Is faith in Christ enough for salvation, or must one contribute good works? Is Mary much more than a humble Jewish peasant girl? Is she an integral part of daily Christian life? What is the Apostolic Succession? Can we pray for the dead and to them? Whose orthodoxy stands the test? Evangelical or Eastern?

Todd Jamison, PhD, and James Wright, PhD, each have over 30 years of church-planting experience in Eurasia and have published for academic and popular audiences. (Names are pseudonyms due to work in sensitive locations.)