T. F. Torrance and Eastern Orthodoxy

by Matthew Baker (Editor), Todd Speidell (Editor)

Overview

A properly ecumenical theology, T. F. Torrance believed, points the church to Christ as the only source and reality of its own unity. Its only hope for unity must be discovered in him and unveiled to the church, rather than pieced together and manufactured through ecumenical slogans and well-meaning intentions. Acting on this belief, Torrance initiated an international dialogue of Reformed and Orthodox Churches, which culminated when the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Orthodox Church issued a groundbreaking joint statement of agreement concerning the Trinity in 1991, a move beyond the filioque controversy that has divided East and West for a millennium. The current volume on T. F. Torrance and Eastern Orthodoxy continues the theological and ecclesial work of the reintegration of Western and Eastern traditions on a classical patristic foundation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498208130
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	11/05/2015
Pages:	382
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Fr. Matthew Baker (Ph.D., Fordham University) was a Greek Orthodox priest at Holy Trinity Parish in Norwich, CT, a committee member of The Fr. Georges Florovsky Orthodox Christian Theological Society, and Associate Editor of Participatio: The Journal of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship.

Todd Speidell (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Editor of Participatio: The Journal of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship, General Editor of The Ray S. Anderson Collection (Wipf & Stock), and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Montreat College.

Table of Contents

Foreword George Hunsinger iii

Preface Todd Speidell v

Introductory Essay Matthew Baker vi

Part I Historical Background and Memoirs

1 Interview with Protopresbyter G. D. Dragas regarding T. R Torrance George Dion. Dragas Matthew Baker 1

2 God and Rationality: A Reminiscence Brendan Pelphrey 19

3 T. F. Torrance and Reformed-Orthodox Dialogue Jason Radcliff 32

Part II Essays Patristic and Constructive

4 T. R Torrance as Interpreter of St. Athanasius Vladimir Cvetkovic 54

5 Theological Realism in St. Ephrem the Syrian and T R Torrance Mark Mourachian 92

6 Justification in St. Cyril of Alexandria with some Implications for Ecumenical Dialogue Donald Fairbairn 123

7 The Theology of Baptism in T. F. Torrance and its Ascetic Correlate in St. Mark the Monk Alexis Torrance 148

8 T. R Torrance, John Zizioulas, and the "Cappadocian" Theology of Divine Monorchia: a Neo-Athanasian or Neo-Cappadocian Solution? Nikolaos Asproulis 163

9 The Concept of Energy in T. R Torrance and in Orthodox Theology Stoyan Tanev 194

10 Universe, Incarnation, and Humanity: Thomas Torrance, Modern Cosmology, and Beyond Alexei Nesteruk 218

11 The Rationality of the Cosmos: A Study of T. F. Torrance and Dumitru Stäniloae, Taylor Can 247

12 T. F. Torrance and the Christological Realism of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria Emmanuel Gergis 267

Part III Primary Sources

13 The Correspondence between T. F. Torrance and Georges Florovsky (1950-1973) Matthew Baker 286

14 The Orthodox Church in Great Britain T. F. Torrance 325

15 The Relevance of Orthodoxy T. E Torrance 332

Indexes

Authors and their Books 341

Topics and Publications 355

Scripture References 360

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This book celebrates and extends T. F. Torrance's significant and formative engagement with Patristic and Orthodox thought. It is a groundbreaking and exemplary achievement."
—Khaled Anatolios, University of Notre Dame

"This volume is essential reading for scholars of Torrance's thought and will be of major interest to students of Orthodox theology and ecumenism."
—Alan Torrance, University of St. Andrews

"The appearance of this book marks . . . a new chapter in contemporary theological and ecumenical conversation. . . . A new path is being charted for ecclesial theology in the service of Christ and his Gospel."
—George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

"A fitting tribute to a remarkable man."
—Andrew Louth, University of Durham

"In our paradoxical situation of globalization that has led to increased fragmentation, and at a time when the fervent ecumenical hope for Christian unity has long since passed, the appearance of this book is both timely and urgent."
—Aristotle Papanikolaou, Fordham University

"Truly a 'landmark volume.' The editors, Dr. Todd Speidell and Fr. Matthew Baker of righteous memory, have put us all in their debt."
—John A. McGuckin. Columbia University

"This is a rich and revelatory volume. . . . Scholars and students from East and West alike will find this an immensely stimulating read."
—Marcus Plested, Marquette University

Editorial Reviews

"This book celebrates and extends T. F. Torrance's significant and formative engagement with Patristic and Orthodox thought. It is a groundbreaking and exemplary achievement."
—Khaled Anatolios, University of Notre Dame

"This volume is essential reading for scholars of Torrance's thought and will be of major interest to students of Orthodox theology and ecumenism."
—Alan Torrance, University of St. Andrews

"The appearance of this book marks . . . a new chapter in contemporary theological and ecumenical conversation. . . . A new path is being charted for ecclesial theology in the service of Christ and his Gospel."
—George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

"A fitting tribute to a remarkable man."
—Andrew Louth, University of Durham

"In our paradoxical situation of globalization that has led to increased fragmentation, and at a time when the fervent ecumenical hope for Christian unity has long since passed, the appearance of this book is both timely and urgent."
—Aristotle Papanikolaou, Fordham University

"Truly a 'landmark volume.' The editors, Dr. Todd Speidell and Fr. Matthew Baker of righteous memory, have put us all in their debt."
—John A. McGuckin. Columbia University

"This is a rich and revelatory volume. . . . Scholars and students from East and West alike will find this an immensely stimulating read."
—Marcus Plested, Marquette University

From the Publisher