Christianity or the Church?

Discover the vital connection between Christian faith and the Church. How is our Christian faith properly lived? Is Christianity a series of abstract teachings to which we, as individuals, give our mental or emotional assent? Or, as Russian Archbishop and New Martyr Ilarion (Troitsky) argues, is the true aim of Christian life the transformation of our whole being as members of the Body of Christ, His Church?This insightful work explores the essential role of the Church in Christian life, challenging the notion that Christianity can exist independently. It offers a compelling vision of the Church as a living organism, where believers are united in love and grow together in faith. Refreshed for the first time with fresh typesetting and interior design, as well as questions for either group discussion or personal reflection. This book is for Christians, theologians, clergy, and readers interested in Church history and Orthodox Christian theology.