Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology
Overview
Explore the Orthodox approach to theology and spirituality. Taught by God: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology was compiled from preliminary lectures at St. Tikhon’s Seminary by Professor of Dogmatic Theology Harry Boosalis. While intended for first-year Master of Divinity students, the text’s introductory approach and reader-friendly style is ideal for anyone interested in the ancient spirituality of the Christian East. Based on Holy Scripture and patristic teaching, the text refers to the writings of a variety of Orthodox theologians, but especially those from Eastern European backgrounds. With an engaging style, this book is an ideal introduction to Orthodox theology for lay people and students.
Studying Taught by God with Logos streamlines and enhances your experience. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Bolster your study by cross-referencing and comparing with an extensive library of Orthodox scholarship. Take your study with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides an introduction to Orthodox theology
- Offers accessible chapters compiled from lectures at St. Tikhon’s Seminary
- References the writings of a variety of Orthodox theologians
- Introduction
- Orthodox Theology: 2,000 Years of Apostolic Tradition
- Orthodox Theology: A Way of Life
- Orthodox Dogma: An Eastern Approach to the Study of Dogmatic Theology
- The Orthodox Icon: Theology Incarnate
- Epilogue
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“A theologian in the patristic sense, on the other hand, is one who knows God through the experience of divine grace and whose spiritual life is centered in the ascetic, sacramental and liturgical life of the Church.” (Page 23)
“The first lesson learned in Orthodox theology is that the study of theology must not be approached purely as an academic endeavor. The study of theology is primarily a spiritual process. The believer must first be exposed to, edified by and ultimately identify with the time-honored Tradition of the Church Fathers.” (Page 15)
“The term heresy is derived from the Greek word αἱρέω (αἱρεῖν in the infinitive) which means ‘to take for oneself’ or ‘to choose.’68 Heresy has the connotation of picking or choosing what one wants to believe while disregarding the fullness of the authoritative theological doctrines of the Church.” (Page 55)
“It can be very dangerous to do theology without having an existential experience of life in the spirit of Christ.’” (Page 16)
“‘If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.’” (Page 21)
Harry M. Boosalis is professor of dogmatic theology at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. He earned his MDiv from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and ThD in Orthodox theology from the University of Thessaloniki. He has also written Knowledge of God, Orthodox Spiritual Life, and The Joy of the Holy.
Reviews
1 rating
Jonathan Smith
4/4/2023
I appreciate how straightforward this is. As someone not knowing where to begin when exploring an Eastern Orthodox approach, this book was sufficient for me to begin with.
