xepiscopal

I took your question as asking about non-Christian religions (as opposed to denominational views) and I suppose the best summary of religious positions is given by the Pew Research Center. They have a write-up on this very topic, but I was not entirely surprised that they don't provide the viewpoints of the Orthodox (neither OCA or other).

My formative years were spent watching the culture wars of the '60s. Our school district did not integrate until I was in junior high, and us kids then were glad to see our friends (with whom we played baseball etc. during the summer) finally getting to go to the same schools year-round. And we watched the culture of drugs arise in the the 60s. I feel like the culture wars began in the '50s and gradually expanded bit by bit until now, as you say, the culture wars for the most part seem to have been lost. But, I have hope, at least a smidgeon, that the tide may turn and saner minds prevail in future. I doubt that I will see that happen in what little time I have left. But I smile and take solace when I remember that I am not of THIS world--I merely reside in this world during this my journey towards salvation. In what little time I have left, I enjoy my books. You see, one of the saddest casualties of the culture wars is the book--the kind that has ink on paper. I abhor the so-called "E" book, although the Bible software called "e-Sword" is (I think) a very great thing and is much easier to use (I think) than the Logos software. Your friend in the Peanut Gallery.

The underlying Christian themes of Lord of the Rings are well known and that ground has been tilled thoroughly. Tolkien's conversion to Catholocism was well known. Personally, I prefer C.S Lewis works, especially his "Out of the Silent Planet" trilogy. I recommend that series if you like a bit more overt Christianity in your fantasy.

It seems to me (and I could be wrong) that the biggest difference w/ Protestant denominatiuons is the veneration of Saints and also in the emphasis on Tradition and on Patristics in the Orthodox.

The Orthodox Church is not the Episcopal Church, although they both share the commonality that neither of them are the Roman Catholic Church.

The College Press "Bible Study Textbook" series (59 volumes) might be more than what you're looking for, but I find it to be a thought-provoking and helpful accompaniment to reflecting on certain readings. As is Matthew Henry's commentaries. Both are easily found with the googler finder machine. Personally, I enjoy using the "plug ins" of these series (as well as others) along with the e-Sword application, all of which makes it very easy to navigate them all in one place.

Your post caught my eye because I have been interested in "the Ancient Way" (as some call Orthodoxy) for quite some time ... at least for the last 10 - 15 years ... but for various reasons I have never been Chrismated. I do "attend" their services (on line) from time to time, and listen to the various lectures / talks / "sermons" via their internet radio station. Due to my disability, I am now unable to attend their services in person (or anyone's services, because I can't drive and barely can limp around. that is, I am practically "home bound"). But I do enjoy their ministries and their Patristics. There are about a dozen or more Parishes in my area, ranging anywhere from Russian or Serbian and of course Greek services, I think there are one or two Indian (as in SE Asia) groups, and there are a few former Anglican parishes that converted to Greek Orthodox. The American, Heiromonk Seraphim Rose, who reposed in 1982 I think, is quite revered and wrote many very fine books both in Russian and in English. I think that's how I was introduced to Orthodoxy, by reading his biography (it is titled _Not of This World_) and it is a really good book.