Orthodox theology today: trends and tasks

Abstract

Orthodox thinkers during the past 100 years have been much concerned with the nature of theology. Reacting against the view that theology is a ‘science’ (‘academic scientism’), they have insisted on the link between theology and prayer: they have also adopted an apophatic approach, emphasising that theology is a mystery. Two major trends may be discerned in recent Orthodox theology: (a) ‘The Russian Religious Renaissance’ (Florensky, Bulgakov, Berdyaev); (b) ‘Neo-Patristic Synthesis’ (Florovsky, Lossky). The ‘Russian’ school was eclipsed during the second half of the twentieth century, but is now enjoying a revival. The ‘Neo-Patristic’ School has also remained important (Meyendorff, Romanides, Zizioulas). Many writers have links with both trends (Afanassieff, Evdokimov, Schmemann). The master-theme of Orthodox theology in the twentieth century has been ecclesiology; in the twenty-first century, the centre of interest is shifting to the doctrine of the human person. Because of globalisation, problems in bioethics, and the environmental crisis, Orthodox thinkers need to reflect more deeply and with greater courage about the meaning of personhood. To be human is to be endlessly varied, innovative, self-transcending.