Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism

Description

To some Western evangelicals, the practices of Eastern Orthodoxy seem mysterious and perhaps even unbiblical. Then again, from an Orthodox perspective, evangelicals lack the spiritual roots provided by centuries-old church traditions. Are the differences between these two branches of Christianity so sharp that to shake hands is to compromise the gospel itself? Or is there room for agreement? Are Eastern Orthodoxy and evangelicalism at all compatible? Yes, no, maybe--this book allows five leading authorities to present their different views, have them critiqued by their fellow authors, and respond to the critiques. Writing from an Orthodox perspective with a strong appreciation for evangelicalism, Bradley Nassif makes a case for compatibility. Michael Horton and Vladimir Berzonsky take the opposite stance from their respective evangelical and Orthodox backgrounds. And George Hancock-Stefan (evangelical) and Edward Rommen (Orthodox) each offer a qualified "perhaps." The interactive Counterpoints forum is ideal for comparing and contrasting the different positions to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these two important branches of Christianity and to form a personal conclusion regarding their compatibility. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Exploring Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints

Vladimir Berzonsky (D.Min., Ashland Theological Seminary) is pastor of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Parma, Ohio, and the author of The Gift of Love and In the Image and Likeness of God. Stanley N. Gundry is senior vice president and editor-in-chief of the book group at Zondervan. With more than thirty-five years of teaching, pastoring, and publishing experience, he is the author or coauthor of numerous books and a contributor to numerous periodicals. George Hancock-Stefan (Ph.D., Trinity International University) is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and a seasoned teacher of church history and missions at several seminaries. Michael Horton (PhD, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and the University of Coventry) teaches theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California, where he lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children. A prolific author, he is also the host of The White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated radio program, and editor of Modern Reformation magazine. Bradley Nassif (Ph.D., Fordham University) is professor of historical and systematic theology in the Antiochian House of Studies. He is the general editor of New Perspectives on Historical Theology: Essays in Memory of John Meyendorff. Edward Rommen (D.Theol., University of Munich; D.Miss., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is an Orthodox priest and pastor of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the coauthor of Contextualization: Meanings, Methods, and Models. James J. Stamoolis (D. Theol., University of Stellenbosch) consults with educational and missionary agencies. He has been a missionary, an educator, and a missionary executive. He is the author of Eastern Orthodox Mission Theology Today and many articles in journals and encyclopedias.