Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism
- Theology
- Publisher: Zondervan Academic (Zondervan)
- Published: 2004
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Publisher's Description
Are Eastern Orthodoxy and evangelicalism at all compatible? To some Western evangelicals, the practices of Eastern Orthodoxy seem mysterious and perhaps even unbiblical. From an Orthodox perspective, evangelicals lack the spiritual roots provided by centuries-old church traditions. Are the differences between these two branches of Christianity as sharp as they seem? Or is there room for agreement? This book allows five leading authorities to present their different views in a respectful manner, have them critiqued by their fellow authors, and then respond to those critiques. Writing from an Orthodox perspective with a strong appreciation for evangelicalism, Bradley Nassif makes a case for compatibility. Michael Horton and Vladimir Berzonsky take the opposite stance from their respective evangelical and Orthodox backgrounds. And George Hancock-Stefan (evangelical) and Edward Rommen (Orthodox) each offer a qualified "perhaps." The interactive Counterpoints forum is ideal for comparing and contrasting the different positions to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these two important branches of Christianity and to form a personal conclusion regarding their compatibility.
Endorsements (9)
“The increasing importance of the dialogue between Eastern Orthodoxy and evangelicalism has raised many difficult questions for both sides. In this important and timely book, such issues are debated openly and honestly by leading representatives of each tradition. It will be essential reading for all involved in, or reflecting on, this dialogue.”
“the Orthodox Church also parted ways with Rome. Now the descendants of those two groups are talking with each other. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss!”
“A timely and important subject—the theological compatibility of evangelicals and Eastern Orthodox believers, with some of the most capable commentators on the scene. It will introduce evangelicals to Orthodoxy and the Orthodox to evangelicals and show where the fault lines are between them, with no fudging, and where the Spirit is leading the church toward a more perfect embodiment of the union of believers in Christ.”
“Fidelity to Scripture and commitment to doctrinal truth make for stimulating dialogue between evangelical and Orthodox theologians in an otherwise tired ecumenical world. The frank and sometimes sharp exchange of views expressed in these essays significantly define key theological and practical issues from which informed Orthodox and evangelical Christians will be strikingly challenged and enriched.”
“who are we?” will find the arguments for and against an evangelical association with Eastern Orthodoxy to be thorough and compelling. While an answer is not forthcoming, the questions raised will lead evangelicals into deeper and fruitful paths of discussion and action.”
“This is the best book I have read on the most important dialogue in the Christian world. I wish it much success.”
“Here is an assessment of relations between evangelicals and Eastern Orthodox that is fair-minded yet frank. While the difficult issues of belief and practice are not slighted, the treatment is accessible to members of both parties as well as those of neither.”
“An engaging and intriguing attempt to look critically at varying views within Eastern Orthodoxy and evangelicalism, which helps one better understand the bridges and barriers that exist between them. The dialogue is bluntly straightforward and polemic at times, yet refreshingly authentic and thus enlightening. The book itself offers another positive witness to the importance of ongoing, sincere dialogue among the Christian traditions. Father Luke A. Veronis, Orthodox missionary and instructor of missiology, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA Increasing numbers of evangelicals are being attracted to Orthodox spirituality, while Orthodox are being drawn by evangelicals’ dynamic biblical witness to assured salvation. This openhearted and scholarly book will be a timely help for more scholarly readers to understand how far the two positions are compatible.”
“Three Views on Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism is an important contribution to a long-overdue ecumenical dialogue. The book gives even more than the title promises. It offers three answers to the question, “Are Eastern Orthodoxy and evangelicalism compatible?” The three answers: yes, no, and maybe. In addition, the five authors offer us a genuine Eastern Orthodox–evangelical dialogue. My hope is that evangelical and Eastern Orthodox readers will not be paralyzed by the answers but will be given energy to continue and to deepen the dialogue. Christian witness in today’s world requires no less of evangelical and Eastern Orthodox Christians.”
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