Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism (Counterpoints)

by Bradley Nassif; Michael Horton; Vladimir Berzonsky; George Hancock-Stefan

and

1 more

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2004

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Provides numerous perspectives on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism
• Compares and critique multiple distinct views
• Includes contributions from a diverse assortment of distinguished scholars and theologians

Contents

• “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism Compatible? Yes: The Evangelical Theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church” by Bradley Nassif
• “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism Compatible? No: An Evangelical Perspective” by Michael Horton
• “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism Compatible? No: An Orthodox Perspective” by Vladimir Berzonsky
• “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism Compatible? Maybe: An Evangelical Perspective” by George Hancock-Stefan
• “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism Compatible? Maybe: An Orthodox Perspective” by Edward Rommen

Top Highlights

“Very simply, the classical evangelical tradition developed a ‘transactional’ model of redemption in which emphasis is placed on what Christ did for me (i.e., the work of Christ on the cross and his substitutionary atonement), while the East adopted a ‘transformational’ model that places emphasis on who Christ is (i.e., the person of Christ, his resurrection, and his triumphant victory over sin and death—the Christus Victor theme). Acknowledging this distinction goes a long way in explaining why each side emphasizes different aspects of salvation. Both Orthodoxy and evangelicalism recognize both aspects but focus primarily on one of them.” (Page 40)

“Unlike the Orthodox, most evangelicals today have accepted Cyril’s Christology while rejecting his corollary doctrine of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.” (Page 50)

“Evangelicals need a deeper understanding of their own religion. They need to more fully comprehend the soteriological consequences of the Christian doctrines of creation, the Trinity, and the incarnation; the inseparable union between the incarnation and soteriology; and how these realities impact the nature of the church, its pastoral structures, and the physical ways in which God works to bring about human redemption.” (Page 86)

“Orthodoxy, by contrast, in a manner similar to Roman Catholicism, sees the church as first and foremost the extended form and reality of the incarnation, resurrection, and glorification of Christ himself. Ontologically and eschatologically—that is, both in itself as of now and as an anticipatory pointer to its own future—the church is the fullness of Christ, the realization of his presence and power.” (Page 11)

Product Details

• Title: Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism
• Authors: Bradley Nassif, Michael Horton, Vladimir Berzonsky, George Hancock-Stefan, Edward Rommen
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Series: Zondervan Counterpoints Series
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 302
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Orthodox Eastern Church › Relations--Evangelicalism; Evangelicalism › Relations--Orthodox Eastern Church
• ISBNs: 9780310513865, 9870310235392, 0310235391, 0310513863, 9780310235392
• Resource ID: LLS:CNTRPNTSTHRVWSS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:53:37Z

About James J. Stamoolis

James J. Stamoolis holds a ThD from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa and has taught in theological colleges in southern Africa. He is the author of Eastern Orthodox Mission Theology Today. Stamoolis is currently the North American director of the Caspari Center for Biblical and Jewish Studies.