Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life in a Secular Age

Item No. 9781955890625

by Zachary Porcu

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—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.

About the Author: Zachary Porcu is a professor of history and theology at the University of St. Katherine in San Marcos, California, and a catechist at St. Andrew’s parish in Riverside. He earned his PhD in church history from the Catholic University of America and holds degrees in philosophy, classics, and interdisciplinary humanities. You can follow his publications and talks at zacharyporcu.com.

Praise for Journey to Reality

"The catechist is a teacher of Christian neophytes.  It might seem a straightforward task to teach basics to new Christians, but in our time when all narratives are being contested, none can be taken for granted. Thus, especially now, part of the task of the catechist is to take as little for granted as possible.  For some, this time of contest means an almost hopeless future lies ahead, with Christendom declining around us.  But for Dr. Zachary Porcu in Journey to Reality, taking nothing for granted means the possibility of presenting a clear, hopeful framework for the core of thinking and behaving as Christians. Both catechists and new (or renewed) Christians will want this accessible book to help guide their way." -Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick

"An inquirer into Christianity could read a dozen works on the faith and still not encounter the insights found in this genial gem of a book." -Deacon Nicholas Dujmovic

"Dr. Zac Porcu is a faithful student who has immersed himself both in the Holy Fathers and in the humanist zeitgeist. As such, he is able to competently assist God-seekers in bridging the gap from the emptiness of post-Christian culture to the mind of the Church." -Fr. Josiah Trenham

"Journey to Reality is a wonderful summary of Christianity’s core, the sacramental union
of man with God. The author Zachary Porcu begins by describing the ancient Christian
revelation about God, walking his readers through the many ways modernity has come to
obscure a sacramental worldview. His familiarity with Western patterns of culture and thought
helps him in this, as does a refreshing and accessible style of writing. In a remarkably concise
way, he reaches the conclusion that the key to knowing God as ancient Christians did—as the
Trinitarian “arché” that both creates the world and holds it together in love—is to enter into the
sacramental journey of the Orthodox Church. The book will open new vistas on Orthodoxy for
those already experienced with the faith, and it will help inquirers appreciate the heavenly riches
that await them in the Church." -Father John Strickland

Author: Zachary Porcu

Paperback: 152 pages

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 inches

Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing

Additional Formats:

eBook
$8.99 on Orthodox Christian Ebooks
$9.99 on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Apple

LOOK INSIDE... Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life in a Secular Age