Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos
Ebook
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.
A comprehensive and insightful Orthodox theological response to the environmental crisis.
Introduces readers to the less known and much promising Eastern Orthodox liturgical ethos
Describes a new anthropological model, "the priest of creation", as an alternative suggestion to the present eco-theological debate
A dialogue between modern science and other Christian traditions
Foreword, Archbishop Rowan Williams
Introduction
Toward an Ecological Ethos: Theological Principles and Philosophical Presuppositions, John Chryssavgis and Nikolaos Asproulis
Chapter 1: The Eucharistic Vision of the World
Chapter 2: Preserving God's Creation: Historical and Theological Perspectives
Chapter 3: Creation Theology: Patristic Perspectives
Chapter 4: Priests of Creation
Chapter 5: Laudato Si': Ecumenical and Spiritual Perspectives
Chapter 6: The Book of Revelation and the Natural Environment
Chapter 7: Environment and Justice: A Theological Approach
Chapter 8: Ecological Asceticism: a Cultural Revolution
Chapter 9: Orthodoxy and the Ecological Crisis – A Theological Approach
Chapter 10: Religion and Science – An Ethical Approach
Chapter 11: Religion, Science, and the Environment
Chapter 12: Ethics versus Ethos: An Orthodox Approach to the Relationship between Ecology and Ethics
Chapter 13: Towards an Environmental Ethic
Chapter 14: Proprietors or Priests of Creation?
Chapter 15: Humanity and Nature: Learning from the Indigenous
Chapter 16: A Theological Approach to the Ecological Problem
Chapter 17: Human Beings and Animals: Monastic and Artistic Perspectives
Chapter 18: Communion and Communication
Chapter 19: St. Paul and the ecological problem
Conclusion: From Here to Where
Bibliography
Index
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Title: Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos
- Authors: John Chryssavgis, Nikolaos Asproulis
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780567699121, 9780567699091, 0567699099, 0567699129
- Resource ID: LLS:9780567699121
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T04:19:21Z
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.