Reddit mentions of Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition

In the past, Reformed/evangelical - Orthodox interaction was really rare. But there are lots of good books on the subject now - where both "sides" do not engage in polemic attacks and misrepresent each other. The books I'm listing are Protestant evaluations of the Orthodox or Protestant introductions to Orthodoxy that come from this attitude of dialogue and charity.

• Through Western Eyes: Eastern Orthodoxy: A Reformed Perspective by Robert Letham - this book is the most Reformed of the bunch and has been endorsed by Carl Trueman and Gerald Bray among others
  
  
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective by Daniel Clendenin - Clendenin has also edited an anthology of contemporary Orthodox theology
  
  
• Eastern Orthodoxy through Western Eyes by Donald Fairbairn
  
  
• Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition by James R. Payton
  
  
• Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism (Counterpoints) - part of Zondervan's helpful series, conveniently structured
  

I would be happy to! Christ the Conqueror of Hell does a fantastic job of explaining the Orthodox view on Hell. This book does a fantastic job of introducing Orthodoxy to Protestant and Catholic Christians. In fact, it was written by a Protestant. Because of that, he does a great job of explaining some unfamiliar terms or practices to his audience since he is coming from the same place. It's essentially a very well educated Western Christian explaining the Eastern Church to other Western Christians.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's an anonymous story describing the journey of a Russian Christian and his journey through the faith. It's really uplifting and surprisingly entertaining for a book written in 18th century Russia.

Finally, if you're looking for something deep, I would recommend this one. Vladimir Lossky was a brilliant Orthodox theologian who focused on the "mystical" side of Christianity vs. the more "scholastic" approach of the West. Really, anything by him is worth your time.

Let me know if these are what you're working for. If not, I may have a few more books I can recommend. I personally think these are a great place to start.

Fair enough. It was actually the first Ortho book I read, but for where I was it was just what I needed. But as you said, doesn't mean it's a good starter for everyone. I've heard a lot of people talk about "The Mountain of Silence" but haven't had a chance to read it myself. I'd also highly recommend "A Light from the Christian East". It's actually written by a Protestant professor but does a great job of explaining Eastern theology for western readers. It's a bit academic, but if that doesn't phase you check it out!

Introducing Eastern Orthodox Theology is a readable introduction based on a lecture series.

Light from the Christian East was written by someone in the Reformed tradition who nevertheless does a pretty good presentation of Orthodoxy.

Orthodox Christianity (3 vol.) is probably the most comprehensive overview by a contemporary Orthodox theologian and churchman.

I would suggest The Light From the Christian East by James R. Payton. Dr. Payton is a Protestant and is sensitive to Protestant perceptions. The book is also more in depth theologically than some of the "testimonial" type books. After reading this volume I wish I had picked it up earlier in my inquiry.

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Christian-East-Introduction-Tradition/dp/0830825940