Turning to Tradition: Converts and the Making of an American Orthodox Church
"Turning to Traditionis a powerful and convincing argument for viewing Orthodoxy as something more than ethno-religiosity.  Alongside the cradle Orthodox in this volume are a variety of converts--African-Americans, former Evangelicals, and former Eastern-Rite Catholics--each with its own story.  In the process of telling their stories, Herbel shows how converts have substantially reshaped North American Orthodoxy.  At a time when growing numbers opt out of Christian faith traditions, or choose a faith tradition they were not raised in, these American converts are crucial for understanding twenty-first-century Orthodox identity." --Michael J. McClymond, Professor of Modern Christianity, Saint Louis University"This fascinating and original study explores uncharted territory, namely the phenomenon of Christians from other church bodies who convert to (Eastern) Orthodox Christianity. Herbel introduces a really diverse selection of converts--from Bjerring and Alexis Toth to Moses Berry and Peter Gillquist. The scholarship is thorough, careful, and relevant, and the writing accessible. There is virtually no other published work on this topic." --Michael Plekon, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Baruch College of the City University of New York"In a religiously pluralist society, inter-religious conversion is a live and familiar option.  In this engaging and timely book D. Oliver Herbel makes a significant contribution to the study of intra-Christian conversion by narrating and analyzing the stories of four prominent 20th century converts to Orthodox Christianity in the U.S. whose conversion experiences exemplify American Restorationism  by ironically professing a 'non-traditional tradition.' Students of Conversion, Religious Pluralism, American Religious History, and Eastern Orthodoxy in  America will profit from reading this insightful text." --Albert J. Raboteau, Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion Emeritus, Princeton University