Orthodox Theology: An Introduction

Publication Data: Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2001
Format: softcover
Number of Pages: 137
Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.6 cm × 13.6 cm × 1.0 cm
ISBN: 0‒913836‒43‒5

   
Vladimir Lossky
Translated by Ian and Ihita Kesarcodi-Watson

“Authentic gnosis is inseparable from a charisma, an illumination by grace which transforms our intelligence. And since the object of contemplation is a personal existence and presence, true gnosis implies encounter, reciprocity, faith as a personal adherence to the personal presence of God Who reveals Himself. In the strict sense, among the ascetics of the Christian East gnosis constitutes the peak of the life of prayer—a peak where gnosis is given by God to man ‘who knows himself fallible,’ says Evagrius, and transforms his indigence in an unfolding of faith. We know Evagrius’s formula, which has become an adage: ‘The one who has purity in prayer is true theologian, and the one who is true theologian has purity in prayer.’”
—“Prologue: Faith and Theology”

CONTENTS

Foreword
Prologue FAITH AND THEOLOGY
Chapter One THE TWO MONOTHEISMS
   i. Introduction
   ii. The Negative and the Positive Way
   iii. The Trinity
   iv. Trinitarian Terminology
   v. The Procession of Persons and the Divine Attributes
Chapter Two THE CREATION
   i. Introduction
   ii. The Creative Trinity and Divine Ideas
   iii. Creation: Time and Eternity
   iv. Creation: Cosmic Order
   v. Image and Likeness
   vi. Christian Anthropology
Chapter Three ORIGINAL SIN
   i. Introduction
   ii. The Meaning of the Old Testament
   iii. The Incarnation
Chapter Four CHRISTOLOGICAL DOGMA
   i. Introduction
   ii. “Form of God” and “Form of Servant”
   iii. Two Energies, Two Wills
   iv. Duality and unity in Christ
   v. Redemption
   vi. Resurrection
Postscript IMAGE AND LIKENESS