Eastern Orthodox Christianity, 2nd ed.: A Western Perspective
Overview
In this reliable, fair, and engaging survey, Daniel Clendenin introduces Protestants to Eastern Orthodox history and theology with the hope that the two groups will come to see their traditions as complementary and learn to approach one another with a "hermeneutic of love" that fosters "mutual respect, toleration, and even support." This revised edition includes a new preface, a new chapter, and an updated bibliography. In addition to updated demographic information, Clendenin examines at length a particular aspect of Orthodoxy's intersection with Protestantism--its growing exchange with evangelicalism.
Top Highlights
“Adoration, contemplation, and vision, not rational intellection, characterize the Eastern tradition.” (Page 54)
“Conversely, Orthodoxy fosters a positive appreciation for mystery” (Page 51)
“John Climacus (579–649) contrasts the experiential emphasis with a mere conceptual or linguistic view of God’s revelation: ‘Do you imagine plain words can precisely or truly or appropriately describe the love of the Lord … and assurance of the heart? Do you imagine that talk of such matters will mean anything to someone who has never experienced them? If you think so, then you will be like a man who with words and examples tries to convey the sweetness of honey to people who have never tasted it. He talks uselessly. Indeed I would say he is simply prattling.’20 Similarly, Simeon the New Theologian (949–1022) objected strongly to theology that was little more than rational discourse. He urged a conscious awareness of the primacy of experience as confirmation of the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Page 55)
“Orthodoxy claims that it alone has maintained an unbroken continuity with the apostolic faith of the New Testament, that it alone is the true visible church, and that salvation outside of the Orthodox church is a questionable assumption: ‘Orthodoxy, believing that the Church on earth has remained and must remain visibly one, naturally also believes itself to be that one visible Church. This is a bold claim, and to many it will seem an arrogant one; but this is to misunderstand the spirit in which it is made.” (Page 30)
“Orthodoxy still considers the schism of 1054 between the East and the West as ‘the deepest and most fundamental root of later schisms.’27 Moreover, it sees the primary cause of this estrangement as differing conceptions of ecclesiology and theological authority. The subsequent schism between Rome and the Reformers is but a later consequence of this initial division.” (Page 102)
Product Details
- Title: Eastern Orthodox Christianity, 2nd ed.: A Western Perspective
- Author: Daniel B. Clendenin
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2003
- Pages: 192
