Turning East II: Contemporary Philosophers and the Ancient Christian Faith

A little over a decade ago, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press published the first volume of Turning East, a collection of autobiographical essays in which sixteen contemporary philosophers described their journeys to the Orthodox Church. In this second volume, fourteen more share their stories, explain their reasons for becoming Orthodox Christians, and offer a sense of how their conversions have changed their lives. As in the first volume, some of the authors are accomplished, world-renowned, senior scholars. Others are junior scholars in the earliest stages of their careers. As a group, the contributors belong neither to any particular philosophical “school” nor to any particular Orthodox jurisdiction. What they have in common is a desire to enter deeply into an authentic and loving communion with the Living God, with God’s people, and ultimately with all of God’s creation.

Considered together, the essays in this volume aim to help some readers discover the beauty of “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) and to help others fulfill the apostolic command to “stand fast and hold the traditions” they were taught “whether by word or by our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15). In essence, they aspire to encourage readers to continue “steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).