The Cambridge Companion to Orthodox Christian Theology

Description

Orthodox Christian theology is often presented as the direct inheritor of the doctrine and tradition of the early Church. But continuity with the past is only part of the truth; it would be false to conclude that the eastern section of the Christian Church is in any way static. Orthodoxy, building on its patristic foundations, has blossomed in the modern period. This volume focuses on the way Orthodox theological tradition is understood and lived today. It explores the Orthodox understanding of what theology is: an expression of the Church's life of prayer, both corporate and personal, from which it can never be separated. Besides discussing aspects of doctrine, the book portrays the main figures, themes and developments that have shaped Orthodox thought. There is particular focus on the Russian and Greek traditions, as well as the dynamic but less well-known Antiochian tradition and the Orthodox presence in the West.

Mary Cunningham is a Lecturer in Theology at the University of Nottingham. Her publications include Faith in the Byzantine World (2002). Elizabeth Theokritoff is an independent scholar and translator, with particular interests in liturgical theology and theology of creation. She has lectured and led workshops widely and published numerous articles.

'This is a remarkable book - as remarkable for the wide scope of its articles as for their quality.' The Messenger 'This book can be read in many ways - as a summary of themes and movements, as a history of theological development, as a devotional meditation, and also as a piece of creative theological thinking in its own right.' Journal of Theological Studies '... an impressive collection of essays in the long tradition of the Cambridge Companions to Religion. Well worth adding to any library which has collections in this field and, especially the paperback edition, easily accessible for the bookshelves of individual scholars.' Reference Reviews 'This book is truly what it sets out to be: a very useful 'companion' to Orthodox studies ... It is refreshing and uncommon to see a useful and important resource on Orthodox Christian theology edited by two Western Orthodox women scholars; Cambridge University Press should be congratulated for entrusting the task to their competent hands.' Theology 'This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the contemporary situation of Orthodox life and theology today.' The Expository Times ' ... this is an accessible and attractive collection, from which much can be learned.' The Journal of Church History '... prefaced by a concise ... extremely helpful historical introduction to Orthodoxy and its communities, including those in the West, written by the editors ... This book is truly what it sets out to be: a very useful 'companion' to Orthodox studies.' Theology '... a collection of very well written essays, which all say something important about their respective topic ... a recommended volume.' Sobornost