An Introduction to the Christian Orthodox Churches

by John Binns

Overview

This introduction describes the life of the Orthodox Churches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 up to the year 2000. It discusses the distinctive Orthodox approaches to the themes of liturgy, theology, monastic life and spirituality, iconography, popular religion, mission, politics and the schism between East and West. The final chapter examines the response of the Churches to the new freedom following the collapse of communism and the prospects for the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521661409
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/04/2002
Series:	Introduction to Religion
Pages:	294
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; List of maps; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction: identifying Orthodoxy; 2. Description: a map of Orthodoxy; 3. Liturgy: where heaven and earth meet; 4. Doctrine: believing in the Orthodox Churches; 5. Icons: revelation in image; 6. Monasticism: shaping of saints; 7. Popular piety: people, places, pilgrimage; 8. Mission: incarnation as proclamation; 9. Church and state: the dream of God's kingdom on earth; 10. East and West: the division of Christendom; 11. Prospect: a cautious reforming; Table of dates; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Binns presents a history of the Orthodox Churches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 to the year 2000. Coverage includes, for example, liturgical practices, doctrine, iconography, the monastic tradition, and the response of the Churches to the collapse of Communism. Binns is Director of the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies at Cambridge University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"[An] extensive introductory treatment of the historical complexity of the Orthodox churches and a careful examination of virtually every element generally regarded as belonging to the distinctive theological and spiritual vision of Eastern Christendom. This more inclusive treatment of Orthodox communities is refreshing and desperately needed for historical and theological accuracy and depth...accomplished with remarkable clarity, depth, and understanding." Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Journal of Religion

"...[a] fine work...a first-rate study and highly recommended. The author...writes clearly and competently in a carefully nuanced manner that avoids patronizing Christians of either the East or West...essential and accessible..." Paul E. Michelson, Huntington College, Journal of American Academy of Religion

"Binns is particularly good on the current state of the Orthodox Church and the problems it faces as it is forced into dialogue with other churches, other religious traditions and modernity...Binns writes well about the current divisions between progressive and reactionary strains in Orthodoxy." Christian Century

"...he treats liturgy, doctrine, icons, monasticism, popular piety, mission, church and state, the divison of Christendom into East and West, and prospects for reform and ecumenism."

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