What does it mean to "think Orthodox"? What are the unspoken and unexplored premises and presumptions underlying what Christians believe? Orthodox Christianity is based on preserving the mind of the early Church, its phronema. Dr. Jeannie Constantinou brings her more than forty years' experience as a professor, Bible teacher, and speaker to bear in explaining what the Orthodox phronema is, how it can be acquired, and how that phronema is expressed in true Orthodox theology-as practiced by those who are properly qualified by both training and a deep relationship with Christ.
"Dr. Constantinou has written a marvellously timely book that is an
education in itself as well as being a delight to read... [She
presents] a patient and thorough account of what it is to inhabit
the spiritual, theological, and sacramental world of Eastern
Orthodoxy." -excerpted from the Foreword by Archpriest John A.
McGuckin, PhD. D.D. DLitt., Professor of Early Christian Thought,
Theology Faculty, Oxford University
"This clear, convincing, practical, well-crafted, and highly
recommended book argues that the heritage of the Orthodox Faith
includes, not only a distinct theology, but also a distinctive
pattern of thinking theologically. It is not the task of theology
to refine, clarify, and apply an ever-greater precision to the
content of the Faith. As a component of the life in Christ, rather,
Orthodox thinking strives to acquire and maintain a disciplined,
humble, and devout mind. Parish priests, when they instruct
newcomers to the faith, will want to have this book within reach."
-Patrick Henry Reardon, Senior Editor, Touchstone: a Journal of
Mere Christianity
"With brilliant historical insight, the author successfully
navigates very difficult and complex issues surrounding the meaning
and mindset (phronema) of holy Tradition. She reveals a theological
method that is largely foreign to the intellectual heritage of the
Christian West, without minimizing the role of reason. This is the
book I have long wanted to write, but one that is far better than I
could have ever done!" -Bradley Nassif, co-editor of The
Philokalia: A Classic Text in Orthodox Spirituality, and Professor
of Biblical and Theological Studies, North Park University
"Orthodox Christians, living in the West, have a need to be
grounded in the phronema of Orthodoxy as we are tossed about as a
minority group of Christians in a sea of religious and secular
voices that can lead us away from the true faith. So much confusion
and private opinion surrounds us and we need to have a light to
guide us to a safe harbor. In Thinking Orthodox we have such a
light. It is a joy to read and a treasure to have." -Archpriest
Chad Hatfield, D.Min, D.D., President & Professor of Pastoral
Theology, St. Vladimir's Seminary.
"Becoming Orthodox is difficult, especially for non-Orthodox,
Western Christians. Many inquirers are drawn to Orthodoxy's
liturgical beauty, historical continuity, and theological
stability. These are relatively easy to appreciate and access.
However, the challenge is in acquiring a truly Orthodox way of
thinking. This is precisely where Dr. Constantinou's book is a
God-send. As a convert myself, I spent years trying to shoe-horn
Orthodox theology into my Protestant categories. It was futile
exercise; the more I tried, the more frustrated I became. In this
powerful book, Dr. Constantinou demonstrates why this was the case
and why it doesn't work. More importantly, she explains exactly how
anyone can acquire an Orthodox mind. The book is at once
academically rigorous and yet easily accessible to anyone who
desires to become fully Orthodox." -Dn. Michael Hyatt, New York
Times Bestselling Author
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