POST-PATRISTIC THEOLOGY FROM THE ORTHODOX POINT OF VIEW

Post-patristic theology claims that the patristic tradition has come to an end and that a new interpretation of the revelation and new terminology are necessary. However, there are Fathers of the Church in every age and they have the same experience as the Prophets, Apostles and Fathers throughout the centuries. They also have the same terminology, as laid down by the Ecumenical Councils. Respect for these Fathers is a token of authenticity and truth. Post-patristic theology deviates from the theology and experience of the Church, and is a latent heresy in the Orthodox Church. It denies the Church’s hesychastic tradition and is critical of the works of the Fathers. Orthodox theology, by contrast, is based on the revelational experience of the Prophets, Apostles and holy Fathers. The first chapters in this book refer to post-patristic theology, and analyse it in the light of the theology of the Church. Specific texts look in detail at ‘Persons and Communion of Persons’ and ‘Voluntaristic Personalism’, examining in detail the subject of the will. Later chapters concern the experience and teaching of the Church as set out, for example, by St Gregory Palamas and St Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain. The book ends with an interpretation of the uncreated Divine Liturgy, as described in the book of Revelation and as lived by all the saints. “Dogma is not an attempt by the Fathers to elevate the simple faith of the first Christians into a philosophy, nor is it the product of a philosophising mind, but the fruit of experience … those who have been granted experience narrate what they have seen, heard and lived.”