Purification of Memory: A Study of Modern Orthodox Theologians from a Catholic Perspective - Softcover

Mong, Ambrose

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0227175131 ISBN 13: 9780227175132

Publisher: James Clarke and Co Ltd, 2015

Synopsis

An ecumenical investigation of Eastern Orthodox theology through its most distinguished modern contributors, revealing commonalities with the Western church. Although its various bodies boast a combined total of at least 300 million members, the Eastern Orthodox Church is widely perceived among members of other denominations to be an exotic branch of the faith, often shrouded in mysticism and misunderstanding that has been exacerbated by the longstanding Eastern-Western split. In 'Purification of Memory', Ambrose Mong casts light on the true nature of Orthodox theology, illuminating the thinking of eight distinguished modern Orthodox theologians who have made important contributions on topics as ecclesiology, ecumenism, Christology, and Mariology. Approaching the work of John Meyendorff, Nicholas Afanasiev, John Zizioulas, Georges Florovsky, Sergius Bulgakov, Vladimir Lossky, Nicolas Berdyaev, and Jaroslav Pelikan from an ecumenical standpoint, Mong deftly draws comparisons with the theology of their Roman Catholic counterparts to reveal points on which the two traditions have much more in common than either side will always admit. The author interweaves these comparisons with a fascinating exposition of the history of the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches to demonstrate decisively that in spite of the bitter mistrust dividing them, they share a common heritage which could, and should, serve as a basis for reunification. Before old wounds can mend, however, a healing process of forgetting, characterized by Pope John Paul II as a 'purification of memory', must take place to clear the path towards a long-awaited return to unity.

About this title

About the Author

Ambrose Mong (PhD), a Dominican priest, is a visiting professor at the University of St Joseph, Macau, and a research associate at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Edition details

• Publisher: James Clarke and Co Ltd
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0227175131
• ISBN 13: 9780227175132
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232