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Journey to Reality

Sacramental Life in a Secular Age

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Journey to Reality

By: Zachary Porcu
Narrated by: Zachary Porcu
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Most books aimed at introducing Orthodoxy to the non-Orthodox begin by explaining basic points of doctrine and practice that differ from what the average reader may be familiar with. But for the average American, this approach doesn't go deep enough. In order to be able to fully understand Orthodox doctrine and practice, we have to unlearn an entire secular worldview and become participants in a sacramental worldview instead of a worldview that embraces reality as it truly is. Dr. Zachary Porcu provides a guide to this process that is easily accessible both to Western Christians and to those who lack any grounding in the Christian Faith.

©2024 Ancient Faith Ministries (P)2024 Ancient Faith Ministries Christianity Ecclesiology Theology
Insightful Theological Exploration • Clear Sacramental Explanation • Mind-altering Perspective • Accessible Complex Concepts
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Overall, great. Needs some serious editing though. There were many, many passages that were repeated. As in the same sentence was spoken twice. Definitely in need of a good audiobook editor.

The content itself is great though! Worth a listen, even with the issues.

A great primer on Christianity

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Every once in a while, you read a book that suddenly pulls together something you've been picking up in bits and pieces here and there for months or even years. There's the idea - in focus and succinct, well-stated and easy to share with others. This is one of those books. I was drawn to the sacramental nature of the Orthodox church over 20 years ago, but I had a hard time verbalizing the appeal to those who were from similar religious upbringings to mine. Years of participation in the "embodied" services of the church and study of literature and history helped me pick up on bits and pieces of the ancient worldview that helped form ancient Christianity and how different it is from the Western postmodern mindset, but I still had something more like an unassembled puzzle of all those pieces. I really feel like this book is the top of the box of the puzzle I was missing!

I took a couple of weeks to listen to the audio version of this book, and ever since, I find myself recommending it to people left and right - be they Orthodox Christians or protestants, people looking for a way out of the entrenched materialist mindset or those who don't even know what it is. This book will have something for all of those kinds of people. I recommended it to a priest, particularly the section on marriage as a sacrament. I think it would be useful for a parish to do as a book study, especially because it would give everyone a common language to talk about what we believe.

The audio version does have some quality issues - it seems like the narrator recorded in perhaps different locations or with different equipment from time to time. None of these issues make it hard to hear or understand, but it doesn't have a consistent sound throughout. It's still worth buying if it means you'll get all the way through the book (I know I'm much more likely to finish audiobooks than books in print). Now that I've listened to it, I also want a print copy so I can easily go back and review parts of it from time to time. Do yourself a favor and read it soon!

Makes a Complex Idea Simple & Inviting

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easy to read, goes straight to the point. a must read. a good book for those new the the orthodox faith!

straight to the point

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Dr. Porcu gives a well ordered step by step case for our pilgrimage to God. It is written in a non threatening manor that draws the reader in to a deeper understanding of the spiritual life and a closer presence of all God's creation.

The Best explanation for Orthodoxy.

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This book is a must-read for all Protestants. The author offers the clearest and most insightful explanation of sacraments I’ve encountered so far. I’d be very interested in hearing Fr. Stephen De Young’s thoughts on it. In just a week, I’ve read it twice and am about to begin a third read-through.

While this is the best explanation I’ve found, I’m still eager to understand the “why” and “how” behind the sacraments functioning as they do. Perhaps that’s precisely why they’re called “sacraments.”

“An Unparalleled Guide to Understanding Sacraments”

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There is something beautiful about how Porcu is able to distill thought down to easy metaphors. An excellent addition to the Orthodox library.

A glorious accompaniment to catechism

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A clear, concise & compelling distinction between secular & sacramental paradigms, and why the latter is not only a superior paradigm but actually describes reality as it truly is. This book is as timely as it is insightful. An invaluable resource for the 21st century.

Powerful leverage for shifting paradigms

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Beautiful angle for discussing Christianity. He illuminates the significance of the Trinity, weaknesses in modern ideas of God, and (most helpfully in my opinion) grounds the juxtaposition of modern thinking with the ancient way in a capitulation of history’s course, especially with regard to the Protestant Reformation.

Short, simple, profound.

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This author somehow made this complex knowledge straight forward and mind altering. As a “modern” Christian, ( southern Baptist) I have felt it hard to find the fulfillment in going to church. Making connections with others is very different since Covid. I’ve been exposed to orthodoxy thru my teenage son. He was baptized into the Greek Orthodox Church at 19. He didn’t enjoy going to church with us because he felt it wasn’t authentic. His search for God took him to orthodoxy. Thinking on all the discussions we have had the past couple years, this book really sums up and makes it clear to understand. It connects all I’ve learned as a Christian and made it make sense. The recording has several repeated sentences but they happened to be on some very impactful points. Everyone needs to read this book. It definitely helped me. It will help anyone willing to hear.

Profound. The answers we all need.

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I appreciated how the author discussed the Church and the fragmented beginnings of American Christianity, highlighting its origins in confusion. The book delves into the roots of Orthodoxy, emphasizing its commitment to staying true to the apostles’ teachings rather than following cultural trends. It also provides a deep exploration of the Trinity and the nature of God. The insights were profound and have inspired me to learn more. Highly recommend checking out the book #ChristisKing.

God is reality

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