Eastern Orthodoxy Through Western Eyes

EASTERN ORTHODOXY THROUGH WESTERN EYES

Donald Fairbairn

138x210, 283 pages

Oringinally published in 2002 by Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville

First edition in the Romanian language in 2005 at Multimedia, Arad

Translated into Romanian language by Sofia Gheorghe

In the last decade, Eastern Orthodoxy has moved from being virtually unknown to Western Christians to being a significant presence on the religious scene in North America and Great Britain. In light of Orthodoxy's growing presence, this book will introduce Western Christians to the Eastern Orthodox vision of the Christian life by examining Orthodox theology and worship and will also alert readers to the cultural and historical factors that shape any interpretation of the Christian faith.

Dr. Fairbairn has provided his readers with a lucid and remarkably balanced appraisal of Eastern Orthodoxy from the perspective of a committed Protestant. Both Eastern and Western Christians can learn a great deal from this book. This is an important work, indeed, even a „milestone” of East-West exchange.

CONTENT

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction - Double Vision

PART I - THE  SOURCE OF THE ORTHODOX VISION: TRADITION

1. Authority versus Life

2. Tradition and the Church

3. Tradition and its Expressions

PART II - THE HEART OF THE ORTHODOX VISION: UNION WITH GOD

4. God as Darkness; God as Three

5. Humanity: Creation, Vocation, and Fall

6. Salvation: The Path of Theosis

7. Salvation and the Communion of Saints

8. Orthodoxy and the West: Seeing through Each Other's Eyes

PART III - THE ORTHODOX VISION AND ITS DISTORTIONS

9. Popular Orthodoxy

10. Orthodoxy and Nationalism

Conclusion - Single Vision?

Appedinx A - Recommended Reading

Appendix B - Suggestions for Christian Workers in the East

Appendix C - The Structure and Organization of Orthodoxy

Appendix D - The Orthodox Liturgical Calendar

Notes

Select Bibliography