The purpose of this book is to explore the dimensions of theological work; appreciate the richness of the Orthodox theological tradition understand the relationship of theology to the concerns of ordinary life. 130pp Paper
Essays in Theology and Liturgy Series Volume 1 The Church needs theology. It is her conscience. Without vibrant and meaningful theological work, the Church is neither worthy nor capable of fulfilling her saving mission to the world. Sound theological reflection helps the Church renew her life, thought, worship, and practice; and helps her affirm her prophetic role in the world that she is called to evangelize and serve. Every Orthodox Christian, inasmuch as he or she shares in the life of the Church, is vested with the responsibility to "contend earnestly for the faith, which was once for all delivered to the saints." For this reason, clergy and laity alike, must struggle to grow in genuine piety and strive to achieve a level of theological literacy, in order to discern more clearly the workings of the holy Spirit, who abides in the Church and guides her into all the truth. In the broadest sense, then, theology must be pursued and practiced by the whole body of the Church in its life and struggles.
The short essays in Volume 1 are intended to help the reader explore the multifaceted dimensions of theological work; appreciate the richness of the Orthodox theological tradition; and understand the relationship of theology to the concerns of ordinary people, who are burdened with the cares and the challenges of contemporary life. 130pp Paper (2002)
CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
Theology, Theologians, Theological Literacy, and the Church
The Gift of Infallibility
Theological Literacy and the Church
Theology Serves the Church
Theology: A Gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church
The Ecclesial Character of Orthodox Theology
Theology: Exploring the Mystery of God
Theology as Doxology
Theology as a Mystical Experience
Theological Reflection is the Conscience of the Church
Theology is Dynamic and Creative
Doing Theology Through the Academic Disciplines
The Appropriatenness of Theological Scholarship
Conjunctive Theologies
An Example of an Informed Conjunctive Theology
Doing Theology Contextually
Constructive Theological work is Always Contextual
The Globalization of Theological Education
Doing Theology Is a Vocation
The Holy Spirit Raises Up People to Theologize
The Person of the Theologian
The Theologian at Work
Doing Theology Locally
Theological Work is Accomplished Both in the Academy and in the Parish
Reflection and Application
Ways of Doing Theology
Three Roles and Approaches
The Theologian as Prophet
The Theologian as Preacher
The Theologian as Participant
Orthodox Theology Is "Participant" Theology
Theology Expresses the Experience of Salvation
Doing Theology in the Patristic Mode
Notes
Appendix
About the Author(s) The Reverend Dr. Alkiviadis C. Calivas, See Info Under Category: AUTHORS/ Calivas, Alkiviadis.
