As I have previously mentioned, I have a continual interest in Orthodox Theology. My interest stems from the lack of scholasticism found in the tradition. My theological training was primarily oriented theologically and cerebrally, and I have found in Orthodox writings a training which is of the heart. Despite this training, I will admit that I find the liturgical tradition to be esoteric and complex. This could be because it is, indeed, or complex, or it could be because I am a Westerner too set in my ways for change. Despite these feelings, I do deeply love the mystical tradition of the East.
For me, there is no place where this theology has been more developed than in Paris. In particular, the St. Sergius Institute has created some of the very best writers. These are individuals who wrote from an Eastern perspective while being sensitive to a Western audience. Since 1925 the Institute has fostered an intellectual tradition that is both thoughtful and mystical.
Despite being composed of Russian émigrés, the work produced was/is broad-minded and a bridge to the West. Much of it is focused more spiritually and mystically than within a rigid theological framework, although (as with Clement) theology still informed much of the writing. I believe we have much to learn from the luminaries of the school about how to deepen our spirituality.
I wanted to list some of my favorite writers in the hope that it will be helpful for someone. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it very detailed. There are already books, articles, and numerous internet sites about the authors below. I simply wanted to provide a very brief detail and the book(s) which influenced me personally.
Nicolas Afanassieff - Fr. Afanassieff was a priest who gained some attention because of his eucharistic theology. His emphasis on the local church provided excellent insight into the practices of the Early Church, and he acted as an observer at Vatican II. his book "The Church of the Holy Spirit" is an insightful look into local churches.
Sergei Bulgakov - Fr. Bulgakov is most noted for his Sophiology. I am least familiar with Bulgakov's writings.
Olivier Clément - Professor Clément's focus was heavily influenced by Mystical Theology. A theologian, he believed in the synergy of theology and prayer and that prayer was rooted in theology. His book "Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from Patristic Era with Commentary" provides an in-depth look at authentic Christian mysticism.
Paul Evdokimov - Professor Evdokimov's magnum opus, for me, is the work "Orthodoxy." In it, he provides insight into the Orthodox faith that is neither dogmatic in a Western mold but conveys the depths and richness of Orthodoxy.
Georges Florovsky- Fr Florovsky focuses, in my estimation, much on the Russian church itself. His "The Ways of Russian Theology" provides a deeper look at how the Russian Church formed both historically and in it's relationship with the state.
Vladimir Lossky - Professor Lossky was my personal favorite theologian. Lossky's focus on mystical theology culminated in the work "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church." This is my suggested book on those looking to deepen their spiritual understanding when looking East. Lossky's genius is in writing for Western audiences while not diminishing the importance of the subject. His "Orthodox Theology: An Introduction" is also an excellent starting point for those looking East. Lossky was more closely affiliated with the St. Dionysius Theological Institute which taught in French.
John Meyendorff - Fr. Meyendorff was one of the more prolific writers and, as he settled in America, luckily has much of his work in English. Fr. Meyendorff's insights into the history and positions of the Orthodox Church is still pertinent today. His book "Byzantine Theology" as well as his historical works are foundational works.
Alexander Schmemann - Fr. Schmemann's genius, for me, was in his sacramental theology. His works "For the Life of the World" and "Eucharist" are helpful insights into Orthodox sacramental theology. They offer a look into an alternative way of looking at the sacraments from the Western thought.
"To be freed from every touch of sin and grow continually in grace, it is necessary to be rooted more and more in the unity of nature which has Christ Himself for its hypostasis. The sacrament of the body and the blood is a realization of the unity of our nature both with Christ and, at the same time, with all the members of t the Church." - Fr. Vladmir Lossky
Photo: Wikipedia, HaguardDuNord, 25 September 2010.
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