An Introduction to God: Encountering The Divine in Orthodox Christianity

by Andrew Stephen Damick

Speaking to non-believers and believers alike, Fr. Andrew Damick attempts to create a sacred space in which we can encounter God. In this compact volume, he distills the essence of the traditional Christian faith, addressing the fundamental mysteries of where God is, who God is, why we go to church, and why Christian morality matters. If you’ve only heard about the Protestant or Roman Catholic version of Christianity, what he has to say may surprise you—and make you long to encounter God in Jesus Christ.

From the Foreword by Jonathan Jackson Fr. Andrew Damick has written a beautiful, humble, and profound book on the mystery of God’s love for mankind. It is beautiful because the author is introducing the reader to the Beautiful One. It is humble because Fr. Andrew has no interest in conveying his own ideas or philosophies—only the True Faith as passed down from Christ and His Apostles from generation to generation. It is profound because it is a clear and prayerful exposition of pristine Christianity.

About the Author The Rev. Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick is pastor of St. Paul Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. He also lectures widely on Orthodox evangelism, history, ecology, comparative theology, and localism. He is a founding member and one of the associate directors of the Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas. Fr. Andrew hosts the Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy and Roads from Emmaus podcasts, as well as writing the Roads from Emmaus weblog. He lives in Emmaus with his wife Kh. Nicole and their children.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2014

About the author

The Very Rev. Archpriest Andrew Stephen Damick is Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries, former pastor (2009-2020) of St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and author of Arise, O God, Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy, Bearing God and An Introduction to God. He is also host of the Orthodox Engagement, Amon Sûl, Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy and Roads from Emmaus podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio, co-host with Fr. Stephen De Young of The Lord of Spirits podcast, co-host with Michael Landsman of The Areopagus podcast, and he is a frequent speaker at lectures and retreats both in parishes and in other settings.

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, digestible book. Fr. Andrew begins by setting some boundaries--setting aside a sacred space in which he encourages the reader to meet God. He then gives a quick overview of the Old and New Testaments and a brief explanation of different approaches to theology: he outlines both the cataphatic and apophatic approaches. All of this sets the stage for the brilliance of the book.

The book is composed of five chapters: "Where is God", "Who is God?", "Why Go to Church?", "Whom Can We Trust?", and "Why Be Moral?"--all of which are written in a manner that could be easily understood by Atheists, Agnostics, Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox alike. Fr. Andrew mixes subtle plays on language and humor with a deep knowledge and reflective look at probably the most important questions one could ask. He seeks to answer these questions within the framework of the Orthodox tradition (and does so quite adequately) through Holy Tradition and the Church Fathers. He cites Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and more and rubs literary shoulders with renowned thinkers such as Christos Yanneras and John Zizioulas--and yet he does this in an approachable manner.

I would highly recommend reading this book. I am going to give it to several family members and friends. If they will read it, it may very well be a witness to the light they need. Full review on www.BenCabe.com/blog

[Aleksandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in expecting an apologetic work, and came out pleasantly surprised. Damick's goal in this book isn't to convince you of anything, but rather to state things as is. He gives a great high-level overview of the God Orthodox Christians worship, and how that worship is done, and why. Relevant bits and pieces of the Church are also presented here, and there. Despite its relative short length, there is quite a bit of content that Damick goes over!

All in all, a great book for anyone. Both for catechumens, and people looking to learn more about Orthodox Christianity.

[Laura Wining · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Introduction To God by Father Andrew Stephen Damick.
Father Andrew had authored many books in his time as priest but this is his first published by Ancient Faith. He recently recorded it on audible so I was asked to review it. I was thrilled when I heard that it was on audible because as a busy mom I struggle to find the time to read. This book was an easy listen, just a little over 3 hours, while also being very thought provoking. “An Introduction To God” the title reads, my thoughts were that I already knew God so I wasn’t sure what kind of benefit this would be for me. However, as I started listening I quickly realized that I still had much to learn about encountering God. Sure, as an orthodox Christian (and an avid listener of his (and Father Stephens) Lord of Spirits podcast) I already knew some of the things discussed here. The ending of the book may be what stuck with me the most. When he asks if you have experienced God and gives examples. His examples hit me to my core.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking into orthodoxy, looking to pursue a deeper more meaningful relationship with God or someone who doesn’t believe at all. You will gain something from this book.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise, and humble work on introducing the God of Orthodoxy. As a baptized Orthodox Christian, I was familiar with a lot of what Fr. Andrew writes about, but he phrased it in new ways that helped me engage more deeply with core truths of the faith and I'm sure will help me express it betters to those outside the faith.

For example, I love his clarity about what constitutes eternal life for a Christian. Using John 12:3 ("And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent"), Fr. Andrew unequivocally states that eternal life means knowledge of God and makes a strong case that Orthodoxy is the God-revealed and therefore most effective way of doing so.

I also enjoyed how clearly Fr. Andrew compares the Orthodox ecclesial tradition with that of the Protestants and Roman Catholics. He effectively shows how Holy Tradition solves both the problems of democratized dogmatic authority (Protestantism) and centralized dogmatic authority (Catholic), by placing authority in the apostolic tradition and the ongoing experience of the Church throughout the ages.

Wonderful spiritual, theological, and historical read.

[Ali M · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*****Stars

This book came at the perfect time for me to read it. I have been struggling with my prayer life and with the idea of a personal relationship with God. When Protestants and Evangelicals say they “know Jesus,” I honestly do not understand what this means.

Father Andrew Stephen set me straight on what this means in the Orthodox context, and I found his explanation very helpful. I have been attending Divine liturgy since I read this book with renewed attention and a greater appreciation for what it means to worship God. A small door in my heart has been opened by Father’s explanations of why we do what we do in the Orthodox Church. It’s up to me not to let that door slide closed when I let the cares of the world overwhelm me.

This book would also be helpful to inquirers of the Orthodox faith and to those Christians who are disillusioned by modern forms of worship that leave them seeking new forms, new entertainment and never quite finding what they need (spoiler, worship isn’t about our satisfaction). Matthew Gallatin talks about this phenomenon in his excellent book, “Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells.”

Excellent!

[Charlie Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Introduction to God

Fr. Stephen Damick has hit a homerun out of the ballpark of Theology with his book An Introduction to God. In this book he asks all the questions that anyone who is seeking God always asks. Important question of “Where God Is?”, “Who God Is?”. “Why We Go to Church?” and “Why does Morality Matter?” Are all questions that not only Orthodox Christians ask, but any Christian hoping to understand our connection to God. The Audible book is narrated by Fr. Damick himself and is an enjoyable and easy listen. At a little under 4 hours, it is perfect for those early commutes to work or for a weekend listen. It is also a perfect companion to his other book Arise O God. I would highly recommend both titles whether listening to them in your car or in your favorite Hobbit hole. They should be on your top list as an Orthodox Christian.

Charlie Stayton

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of “An Introduction to God, Encountering the Divine in Orthodox Christianity.” It was very good overview of the basics surrounding our knowledge of God and our relationship to him. The book gave plenty of historical context and clear explanations. I particularly enjoyed the connections made to the Old Testament and some of the historical details he included. I’ve been wanting to read the book for a long time so I’m glad I finally got to it with the audiobook. (It’s also lovely that it can be spread up for a quick review!) I will defiantly be recommending this book, especially to newcomers to the faith or those who are wrestling with fundamental issues surrounding the existence of God.

[Ben Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introductory text to the Orthodox Christian idea of mankind’s relationship to God.

I’m always looking for books or pieces of media to share our faith with non orthodox readers, and An Introduction to God fills that role very well. It’s core breakdown of who God is, and how He has related to humanity throughout history is both insightful and accessible. So often books of this genre come across as a narrative of how one particular person discovered the church. I appreciate this book’s tone in presenting Orthodoxy to readers from a variety of backgrounds.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I highly enjoyed this book! As a “Protestant” who grew up Catholic, I never heard of the Orthodox faith until my older brother told me about it. It’s been a year or two since he first introduced it to me, and since then he’s been baptized in the Orthodox Church. He knows how much I love God and go to church, and he’s been telling me to learn more about this faith, and how I’m missing out on so much. I didn’t understand it. After listening to this audiobook, my eyes have opened to so much. I love how easily digestible this was and how it was easy to understand as well.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done. Father Damick takes complex topics and opens the door for understanding the larger context. His thoughts do not overwhelm you. Rather, they make it easy to understand. It is just an introduction and so much more could be said, but this is a needed primer. All that and it is really easy to read, so very well done.

[Nina Hedin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy all of Damick's books, podcasts and blog posts.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Fr. Andrew did a great job with this book. It is an easy read but very informative. The title of the book says it all!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and insightful book for Christians and non-Christians alike!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book and a fast pleasant read. Highly recommend.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be a great rec for anyone, especially would have appreciated it as a teenager

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Introduction to God is written by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, author, podcaster, and blogger for Ancient Faith Radio. In this book, Fr. Damick seeks to answer five key questions:

Where is God?
Who is God?
Why Go to Church?
Whom Can We Trust?
Why Be Moral?

I believe that I, like most people, have struggled with all of these questions in some form or another. However, I was immediately intrigued by Questions 3. I think that is because Christians struggle with this issue most of all. I can't tell you how many times, I have heard, "Why do I have to go to Church? I can meet God in my backyard." It's the tired, "I'm spiritual, but not religious argument." In his answer to Question 3, Fr. Damick presents us with another question, "What is Worship?" He then goes on to define worship and explain the center of worship, which is the Eucharist. We then see a history of worship in the Bible, Christian History, and Ecclesiology. After this detailed study on what authentic Christian worship is, we finally are given our answer to the question, "Why Go to Church?" We worship God because we need communion with Him. We find that union in worship centered around the Eucharist.

I think the part of the book that troubled me the most dealt with Question 4, "Whom Can We Trust?" There were some good parts to this section, like when he discussed Sacred Scripture. However, his attitude and treatment towards the Roman Catholic Church was a bit harsh. He seemed to look down his nose at "organized" religion and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, when I think it could be argued that the Orthodox Church could benefit from some more organization. He seemed appalled that the Pope has his own webpage, when the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew does as well. He also also chose to only reference the Roman Rite when discussing the Catholic Church. Though it is by far the largest Rite, there are 20+ Eastern Rites in the Catholic Church also under the authority of the Pope.

I had mixed feelings about this book. There is merit to it for Christians, atheists, and agnostics. However, some branches of Christianity might feel attacked reading certain sections and put it down and never return to it, which is a shame. However, it seems that this book is geared towards those seeking God and have an interest in learning more about the Orthodox Church or are already on their way to joining the Orthodox Church. I am very appreciative of the bibliography at the end, which contains recommended readings for newcomers to Orthodoxy Christianity. It is always frustrating to finish a book and wonder what to read and where to go next on your journey. Thankfully, Fr. Damick didn't leave the reader hanging. Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the book is OK, though I was hoping for more thought about how to approach the non-believer, the agnostic and atheist and to engage them in conversation. The book really focuses more on talking to people who already are interested in Orthodoxy.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to God and the Orthodox Church!

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent