Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos

Description

Based on a constructive reading of Scripture, the apostolic and patristic traditions and deeply rooted in the sacramental experience and spiritual ethos of the Orthodox Church, John Zizioulas offers a timely anthropological and cosmological perspective of human beings as "priests of creation" in addressing the current ecological crisis. Given the critical and urgent character of the global crisis and by adopting a clear line of argumentation, Zizioulas describes a vision based on a compassionate and incarnational conception of the human beings as liturgical beings, offering creation to God for the life of the world. He encourages the need for deeper interaction with modern science, from which theology stands to gain an appreciation of the interconnection of every aspect of materiality and life with humankind. The result is an articulate and promising vision that inspires a new ethos, or way of life, to overcome our alienation from the rest of creation.

John Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon, was previously Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Glasgow and Visiting Professor at King's College London, UK. John Chryssavgis serves as theological advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch on environmental issues, USA. Nikolaos Asproulis is deputy director at Volos Academy of Theological Studies, Greece.

The ideas presented here are indeed powerful. Zizioulas's rich theological vision is a welcome intervention in environmental theology, and this collection is a compelling presentation of that vision. The accessibility of Zizioulas's writing combined with the originality of his arguments make this book a valuable resource for anyone committed to seeking theological responses to environmental crises. At the same time, his scholarly acumen makes it equally useful for academics and students in religion and ecology or environmental ethics. * Studies in Christian Ethics * In the development of a coherent theological response to the environmental crisis, John Zizioulas is the pre-eminent Orthodox voice. Having his scattered writings collected in one volume, with some new pieces to fill in gaps, will be a boon to everyone who believes that ecology poses spiritual questions. -- Elizabeth Theokritoff, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, UK Those looking for an Orthodox take on the ecological crisis cannot do better than reading this collection of essays on humans as priests of creation. One of the most compelling theologians of our time argues here that, in the face of ecological crisis, we need more than just moral transformation (e.g. taming voracious greed). We need a radical change in the way we interpret the world and our relation to it. -- Miroslav Volf, Yale Center for Faith & Culture, USA This outstanding anthology of Metropolitan John's writings on ecology shows what a coherent and compelling contribution Christianity can make to this vital issue of our time. Unfolding its intrinsically ecological aspect dramatically enhances the ecumenical value of his eucharistic ecclesiology. -- Paul McPartlan, The Catholic University of America, USA