Revisiting the Agenda of the Orthodox Neo-Patristic Movement

Abstract

The Neo-Patristic movement’s program to liberate Orthodox theology from the influences of Western scholasticism is one of the many reasons that explain the consolidation of anti-Western feelings in some Orthodox circles today. Although the basic principles of the Neo-Patristic movement could represent, if misunderstood, a source of inspiration for the fundamentalist groups, this article argues that the position of the Neo-Patristic direction vis-à-vis the West cannot be reduced to its efforts to free theology from scholastic influences. To support this argument, the article turns to Dumitru Stăniloae, a leading Neo-Patristic figure, and shows that his theological program has been guided by two main axes: on the one hand, the quest for an authentic restauratio patristica in Orthodoxy, which frees theology from Western scholastic influences and restores the ethos of Eastern Christianity; one the other hand, a genuine interest to engage himself in a constructive dialogue with contemporary Western theology.