Transcendence and Understanding: Gadamer and Modern Orthodox Hermeneutics in Dialogue

by Zdenko S. Sirka; Assaad Elias Kattan

Publisher:

Pickwick Publications

, 2020

Overview

This book brings into conversation Western and Orthodox hermeneutical schools: one represented by Hans-Georg Gadamer and his followers, while the other school is less focused around one person and yet displays common distinct features. The main question of the book is how we can mediate not only the content of understanding of who we are in relation to each other, to the world in which we live, and to God, but also comprehend the process of understanding across various historical periods. The strengths and weaknesses of both positions are presented, and it is shown how these two hermeneutical approaches can enrich each other. The book argues that preserving both positions, and indicating how they complement each other, helps show the limits of encountering the transcendent reality that can be testified to by human language without being reduced to it as such.

Praise for Transcendence and Understanding

“Zdenko Širka remains true to his Central European context and builds bridges between East and West. His comparative study of Gadamer’s and Orthodox hermeneutics raises the importance of ecumenical theology to a higher level. He shows that revelation of transcendence and the meaning of human understanding converge only in conversation.”

—¼ubomír Batka, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia



“The author is to be congratulated for putting together this thought-provoking book. Guided by Gadamer’s insights, it offers a profound up-to-date exploration of the possibility and benefit of a sympathetic ecumenical exchange of gifts of understanding and interpretation between the irreducibly unique Orthodox and Protestant hermeneutical perspectives.”

—Parush R. Parushev, Rector, St. Trivelius Higher Theological Institute, Sofia; Senior Research Fellow, International Baptist Theology Study Centre Amsterdam



“In this book Zdenko Širka offers not only an overview of the twentieth-century Orthodox inquiry into hermeneutics (mainly the ‘Return to the Fathers’ movement), but introduces Western readership to the younger generation of Orthodox theologians. . . . A profound, informed, and inspiring exploration in current issues and trends in Eastern theology, this much-welcome scholarly study is highly recommended to professors, students, and to everyone interested in Orthodox and ecumenical theology.”

—Pantelis Kalaitzidis, Director, Volos Academy for Theological Studies



“Tracking encounters between Western and Eastern Christian methodologies and spiritual wisdom, the book opens exciting new possibilities for conversation.”

—Ivana Noble, Professor of Ecumenical Theology, Charles University, Prague

Product Details

• Title: Transcendence and Understanding: Gadamer and Modern Orthodox Hermeneutics in Dialogue
• Authors: Zdenko S. Sirka, Assaad Elias Kattan
• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781532678097, 1532678096
• Resource ID: LLS:9781532678097
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-23T08:25:55Z

About the Authors

Zdenko Širka is an ecumenical theologian who works as the post-doc researcher at the Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic). His research interests are ecumenical hermeneutics, theological anthropology, and dialogue with Orthodoxy. He studied in Bratislava, Tübingen, and Prague.