Customer Reviews:
The basic book for students of Liturgical Theology.......2001-05-09
Late Alexander Schmemann the professor of Liturgical Theology and Dean of St Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary has brought out a good critical introduction to the study of Liturgical Theology by this book. He defines Liturgical Theology as an independent discipline with its own special subject and corresponding special method. The different themes are developed in the book in reference to the 'Ordo' or shape of worship as it evolved in the Orthodox Church from the earliest years. This book with an introduction and four other chapters, deals with the importance of the study of Liturgical Theology, the Origin and development of Liturgy, the contributions from Jewish worship, and the importance of monasticism to Liturgy.
This is the basic book for anyone who wishes to study Liturgical Theology. It is sufficiently clear and complete in itself. The book does not contain a bibliography or detailed index notes, which would have been valuable for the students. In some cases the author is constrained to put the Greek words as they are without any equivalent English words, which makes some proficiency in Greek a must for the understanding of the text.
The CANON on liturgical theology.......2000-05-06
By calling Introduction to Liturgical Theology 'Canon' I mean that it is the fundamental book you must read - its influence on the liturgical theologists of today is profound regardless of their dominational persuasion. After reading this book you will understand the distinction between theology of liturgy, liturical studies and liturgical theology.
Liturgical theology is the theology embedded in the rituals and words of liturgy ... it is the theology embodied in our liturgy. Understanding Schmemann's view of liturgy provides a framework for understanding the liturgical practices of any denomination including those claiming to be nonliturgical. It also provides the non-Orthodox a real insight into the Orthodox faith and makes concrete some of the differences between the Eastern and Western Church.
If you have any interest in liturgy please put this on a must read list.
Book Description
This introduction describes the life of the Orthodox Churches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 up to the year 2000. It discusses the distinctive Orthodox approaches to the themes of liturgy, theology, monastic life and spirituality, iconography, popular religion, mission, politics and the schism between East and West. The final chapter examines the response of the Churches to the new freedom following the collapse of communism and the prospects for the future.
Customer Reviews:
An informative but dry and imperfect survey.......2005-02-19
John Binns' AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES is a rare book in that it attempts to familiarise the reader with all of the Orthodox Churches, and not merely (as is common in English-language works on Orthodoxy) with those which accepted the Council of Chalcedon. While Binns' isn't successful in giving as much attention to these obscure Middle Eastern churches as to the well-known Byzantine church, his approach is worthy of some attention.
Binns starts his overview of Orthodoxy's diversity by examing the various bishops found along Straight Street in Damascus. The city has five patriarches, all representing different traditions in this fragmented faith. After this example, Binns proceeds to tell the history of Orthodoxy. He assumes that readers will already be familiar with the basics of Christian thought and the early spread of the faith, and so he begins this history from the moment when Orthodoxy gained a distinct characteristic from Western Christianity, namely with the rise of Byzantium.
The middle of the book is dedicated to Orthodox faith and practise and how these might vary from Western Christianity. The chapter on liturgy I found to be among the most interesting portions of Binns' work, for it describes not only the well-known Divine Liturgies of Constantinople, but also the little-known liturgies of the churches in the Middle East. The chapter on icons commendably describes the theological arguments for and against in considerably more depth than many descriptions of Orthodoxy.
Forty pages are dedicated to the complicated issue of church-state relations within Orthodoxy. I found this to be somewhat disappointing, for he doesn't speak of the simultaneous willingly collaboration and underground resistance of the Church in Romania and several other oppressive regimes, though the former Soviet Union gets sufficient attention. This chapter is followed by one on the relations between Orthodoxy and the churches of the West from the schism (which was much gradual than one would have thought) to modern-day ecumenism. Finally, the work concludes with a brief survey of Orthodoxy's triumphant return after the fall of Communism and its contemporary struggles.
While the book is generally informative, it is somewhat flawed. Binns occasionally fails to maintain a neutral tone. Whether this is due to a personal commitment to Orthodoxy or a desire to present everything from the view of his subject is uncertain. However, I was made uneasy at several points, and downright appalled when he suggested that calls for the Russian Church to distance itself from anti-semitism is undesirable Western meddling. I was also disappointed by a number of small errors which show insufficient fact-checking. Though the work was first published in 2002 Binns uses, for example, the anachronism "the Ukraine" for "Ukraine", and "Kiev" for "Kyiv". He also shows a misunderstand of European geography when he speaks of "the border between Slovakia and Russia."
For one looking for a basic introduction to Byzantine Orthodoxy, this book is far too dry and unfocused to please. I would suggest getting Bishop Kallistos Ware's THE ORTHODOX CHURCH instead, a modern classic by one of the most respected bishops of the Church and a book continually updated and reprinted. If you are looking for a wider perspective on Orthodoxy including the non-Chalcedonian churches of the East, Binns' work might be appropriate.
Book Description
The late Professor Panagiotes K. Chrestou of Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece, is justly regarded as the leading Greek Patrologist of the twentieth century. The present volume is a foretaste of Professor Chrestou's Greek Patrology. Its great value will be realized by anyone who decides to delve into these pages. It provides a bird's eye view of Greek Orthodox Patrology, and elucidates in a thorough and succinct way such basic topics as: who the Fathers are; the historical context of patristic literature; the nature and characteristics of Greek patristic literature; and the seven major periods of patristic literature from AD 90 through 1453, the capture of Constantinople.
Customer Reviews:
Worth its price!.......2003-06-14
This little book is definately worth its little price! Broken up into five info-packed chapters (Diversity in the Universal Catholic Church, The Eastern Catholic Churches, Liturgical Life of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Beauty and the Arts in Eastern Christian Worship, Future Directions, Appendix) for Catholics that are not familiar with their Eastern Rite brothers and sisters. (My only complaint is that the author seems a bit focused on the Byzantine Catholic Church, and tends to neglect the other Eastern Rites consistently....) This book would make a wonderful gift for yourself, or anyone studying the universality of the Catholic Church! Especially recommended for individuals participating in R.C.I.A., Confirmation, or anyone with a leadership role within a particular parish. A definate must for any parish library!
Book Description
At the time of his death in 1958, Vladimir Lossky was already known as one of the most brilliant Orthodox theologians of our century. His study, The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, was widely recognized not only as an authoritative presentation of Orthodox theology but also as a challenge to the prevailing Western understanding of God-man relations. Yet only in the posthumous publication of Lossky's many other works has the full extent of his contribution to modern Christian thought been revealed.
Orthodox Theology: An Introduction was originally intended as a course in dogmatic theology. It investigates the fundamental questions every theologian must ask: can we know God? What is the relation of the creation to the Creator? How did man fall, and how is he saved? Lossky shows that such doctrinal issues are not merely abstract propositions for theological debate but affect the whole Christian life. Thus, as Lossky demonstrates, the Orthodox tradition of the Trinity is directly related to the Orthodox understanding of the human person. For, like the divine Persons of the Trinity, the human person - in its absolute uniqueness yet equally absolute "relatedness" to other persons - can only be understood theologically.
Customer Reviews:
The personal God Who reveals Himself.......2007-03-18
"For freedom from death and the introduction of human nature into God's Kingdom realize the only true Exodus. This sacrifice, ... represents a sacrament, sacrament par excellence, the free gift to God, by Christ in His humanity, of the first fruits of creation, the fulfillment of that immense sacramental action, devolving first upon Adam, which the new humanity must complete, the offering of the cosmos as receptacle of grace." Vladimir Lossky, (Orthodox Theology: An Introduction)
Theognosis, Clement to Evagrius:
The mystical theology of the Church was started by Clement as Theognosis or knowing God, John 17:3, Christ own definition of eternal life. Christian Theology, in the Cataphatic sense, was founded by Origen, being expressed in Neoplatonic terms, but completed by his student Dionysius the pseudo-Areopagite, an associate of Severus, patriarch of Antioch.
"Authentic gnosis is inseparable from a charisma, an illumination by grace which transforms our intelligence. And since the object of contemplation is a personal existence and presence, true gnosis implies encounter, reciprocity, faith as a personal adherence to the personal presence of God Who reveals Himself. In the strict sense, among the ascetics of the Christian East gnosis constitutes the peak of the life of prayer--a peak where gnosis is given by God to man `who knows himself fallible,' says Evagrius, and transforms his indigence in an unfolding of faith. We know Evagrius's formula, which has become an adage: `The one who has purity in prayer is true theologian, and the one who is true theologian has purity in prayer." Prologue:Faith and Theology,
Russian Orthodoxy:
"Hellenism has placed its eternal character upon the Church. It has become an inseparable part of her very being and as such every Christian is, to some extent, a Hellene. Hellenism is not simply a phrase in the history of Christianity but a cornerstone in its life... " G.Florovsky
This quotation outlines a basic conceptual interpretation representative of a majority of Russian theologians thought of their inherited Byzantine Church dogma and its composite theology. For a course in Orthodox doctrinal theology, written half a century ago, to survey the basic doctrines of the Church; Knowledge of God, Nature of creation and meaning of the Fall, Human nature of and Cosmic salvation. Vladimir Lossky, far from being a typical dogmatic theologian in the Western sense; treats dogma as an applicable Church teaching (doctrine), vividly relating to the richness of Eastern Church, whose Orthodoxy was defended by Alexandria, which Lossky repeatedly quotes her own heroes Athanasius and Cyril.
Orthodox Theology:
As it is frequently repeated by Orthodox theologians, a one-volume introduction to Eastern Orthodox theology, and teachings of its Fathers is an ambitious task. The best that one can usually expect from such projects is the condensed reviews found in the many well known introductory books on Orthodoxy, yet, offers a valuable summary of the teachings of the Greek speaking Church fathers, From Origen to Dionysius the p-Areopagite, a good synopsis of a number of profound theological issues. His book gives a clear summary of the Patristic footing of Eastern Orthodox doctrine.This Introduction, was originally intended as a course in dogmatic theology of Eastern Orthodoxy. It investigates the fundamental questions Church theologian should ask in Cosmology, Christology, Sotereology, and Ecclesiology: can we know God? What is the relation of the creation to the Creator? How did man fall, and how is he saved? Lossky shows that such doctrinal issues are not merely abstract propositions for theological debate but are at the base of Christian living. Lossky expounds, the Orthodox doctrine of the Trinity as intimately related to the understanding of how the human person and his spiritual life, and salvation through Kenosis to Theosis could be defended theologically.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Prologue FAITH AND THEOLOGY
1.THE TWO MONOTHEISMS
i. Introduction
ii. The Negative and the Positive Way
iii. The Trinity
iv. Trinitarian Terminology
v. The Procession of Persons and the Divine Attributes
2.THE CREATION
i. Introduction
ii. The Creative Trinity and Divine Ideas
iii. Creation: Time and Eternity
iv. Creation: Cosmic Order
v. Image and Likeness
vi. Christian Anthropology
3.ORIGINAL SIN
i. Introduction
ii. The Meaning of the Old Testament
iii. The Incarnation
4.CHRISTOLOGICAL DOGMA
i. Introduction
ii. "Form of God" and "Form of Servant"
iii. Two Energies, Two Wills
iv. Duality and unity in Christ
v. Redemption
vi. Resurrection
Vladimir Lossky:
Professor Vladimir Lossky, son of Nikolai Lossky, professor of philosophy in Saint Petersburg, was an influential theologian and Russian exile. Vladimir lived in Petrograd until he was exiled from Russia in 1922. He moved to Paris and remained there until his death. He served as the first dean of the St. Dionysus Institute in Paris, where he taught dogmatic theology. At the time of his death in 1958, Lossky was already considered as one of the most influential Orthodox theologians. His writings represent the extent of his contribution to the revival of the petrified Eastern Orthodoxy challenging Western Christian thought then dominant.
Brilliant Summary of Eastern Orthodox Dogmatic Theology.......2001-06-15
Vladimir Lossky was a reputed Orthodox theologian. Most of his books were published postumously and they reveal the depth and extent of his knowledge of Christian thought. And this book is no exception. The present volume was originally written in French and then translated to English. Almost all the fundmental principles of Christian doctrine are dealt with in this book. The book contains a Prologue, a Postscript and four chapters dealing with different dogmas of the Church. His theological arguments are solidly based on Scriptures and the Fathers of the Church. Since the emphasis is on correctness, the language has become cumbersome and understanding sometimes difficult. He has some familiarity with the Indian understanding of God which he occasionally brings in.
This will remain a valuable book of all time. For a student of Eastern Orthodox Theology this is a must read.
Book Description
Although aimed primarily at Orthodox Christians, this study will also be of interest to many non-Orthodox Christians as well as to many non-Christians'indeed, to all who are seeking a careful introductory survey of the content and meaning of the Bible.
George Francis Cronk holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Southern Illinois University, and is currently Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religion at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. An active member of the Church of the Holy Resurrection in Wayne, New Jersey, Dr Cronk has authored and produced the New Life Series, a collection of taped lectures on Orthodox theology and related topics.
Average customer rating:
- An unsuccessful textbook
- Theology of the Greek Fathers Introduced.
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Introduction to Eastern Patristic Thought and Orthodox Theology (Theology and Life Series, Vol 30)
Constantine N. Tsirpanlis
Manufacturer: Michael Glazier Books, a (former) division of The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN
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Binding: Paperback
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Customer Reviews:
An unsuccessful textbook.......2005-01-26
INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN PATRISTIC THOUGHT AND ORTHODOX THEOLOGY by Constantine N. Tsirpanlis seeks to introduce these two themes to seminary students of all denominations. The Eastern (Greek) Fathers are the patrimony of all Christians, and are the root of specifically Orthodox theology and are worth becoming acquainted with.
The work is interesting in its discussion of theological minutiae that shows that the East can claim the same zeal in the pursuit of philosophy as the West with its St Thomas Aquinas. His tracing of the development of the structure of the Church and Eucharistic thought is frank enough. Perhaps the best part of the book is that it gives the student plenty of motivation to go on and read the original works of the Greek Fathers. All in all, however, I was disappointed by Tsirpanlis' work. While it had great potential, it is difficult to read due to the idiosyncratic typesetting and lack of editing. The author, whose English doesn't appear to be native, uses an inordinate number of exclamation marks that make the book seem somewhat amateurish. Some knowledge of Koine Greek is expected to understand quotations.
For those curious about Orthodoxy theology, I would recommend the two books of Kallistos Ware "The Orthodox Church" and "The Orthodox Way", which are already modern classics. Tsirpanlis' book tries to provide a serious, academic resource but doesn't quite make it.
Theology of the Greek Fathers Introduced........2001-08-10
In view of the unity of the Christian churches, a deeper understanding of the Church Fathers, who are held in high esteem in all churches, is very important. It is this thesis that prompts Constantine Tsirpanlis, the president-founder of "The American Institute for Patristic and Byzantine Studies Inc." to bring out this introductory volume. It is a "thematic interpretative analysis of Patristic thought" presenting the views of the Greek Fathers on Creation, Anthropology-Mariology, Christology-soteriology, Pneumatology-Ecclesiology-Asceticism and Eschatology. Comprising the whole theology of the Greek Fathers is no easy task and therefore deeper explanations of all the relevant issues are outside the scope of this book. The Latin and Syrian Fathers do not come within his consideration either. His polemic attitude while speaking about subjects like filioque, canonization of saints, immaculate conception of Mary etc., diminishes the ecumenical value of the book. It is indeed to be recommended to anyone attempting a study of the theology of the Church Fathers.
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