An Outline Of Orthodox Patristic Dogmatics

by John S. Romanides

The late Professor John Romanides, a graduate and, subsequently, a Professor of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts (1958-1965), and a Professor of the Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece (1968-1984) was one of the most original theologians of Eastern Orthodox Christianity worldwide in the second half of the 20th century. Raised in America and having become familiar with Western Christians, Roman Catholics and Protestants, as well as Western theological scholarship, both through his upbringing and his involvement in the modern Ecumenical Dialogues, he developed a critical and highly original Eastern Orthodox approach to Christian theology. He identified his approach with the Christian Roman ecumene that was centered in Constantinople, New Rome. His views on Christian "Romanity" and "Roman Orthodoxy" have earned him the title of "Prophet of Roman Orthodoxy" and have given rise to a school of committed followers and to much discussion. This book is Romanides' first Outline of Orthodox Patristic Dogmatics, which is published for the first time in the original Greek and in English translation. It represents a concise introduction into his understanding of the basic tenets of the Eastern Orthodox Faith and its fundamental differences from those of Western (Augustinian or Franco-Latin) Christian theology. It covers such doctrines as God's relation to the world, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Church, the Church's Holy Tradition and the restoration and perfection of humanity in and through this Tradition. It will serve as an introduction into this theologian's original vision of Patristic Orthodoxy, which is the basis of his reappraisal of Christian theology and history. Its value lies in its concise, coherent and comprehensive character.

Genres: Theology

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2004

Reviews

[Ryan Jankowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this work for Romanides summary of trinitarianism. I was not disappointed. He does a spectacular job at identifying the nature of early deviations to this dogma. He does equally well with his christological summary.

As a 'Protestant' (which is a historical term rendered almost entirely useless these days), I found his chapter on ecclesiology shallow. For examples, see pp 77 (second paragraph), 79 (second paragraph), 101 (second paragraph), and 125 (first and second paragraphs). Given the broad spectrum of Protestant theology (where Mormons and the Watchtower are erroneously thrown into the group), his critical analysis has nearly zero relevance for the large majority of historical Reformed thought. Only at one point does he specify a specific Protestant orientation (p 79, Calvinist), but what he offers is simply not accurately reflective of Calvinistic theology, and as such, it's nothing more than a straw man (which even if were accurate, would still lead to a non sequitur). Calvinists do not believe Christ's dwelling in heaven precludes his transcendence, contrary to Romanides allegation.

I rated the book four stars based on the strength of his historical summary. This seems to be Romanides area of specialty.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am a layman, not a scholar, with a bias towards reunion with the Catholic Church.

Where Fr. John speaks positively on Patristic theology he provided me with new insights as to decisions in several of the councils and drew relations between various errors that I had not been acquainted with.

Where he speaks to contrast Eastern Orthodoxy with Roman Catholicism he seems to present the RCC as a strawman. He identifies the Roman Catholic Church with his particular take on St. Augustine, which seems to be heavily colored by Calvinistic thought on the saint. He does not seem to grant the Catholic Church any father other than Augustine, or that they may have any diversity of thought.

I would not recommend this book unless balanced by a wider exposure to Orthodox thought.

[G Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good and important work. Romaindes is one of the KEY thinkers of contemporary Orthodox theology. His works, next to those of Staniloae, Zizoulas and to a lesser degree Lossky are foundational for doing Eastern theology in the current Western climate. This work is worth reading, but personally, I found his lectures on _Patristic Theology_ to be much more winsome that this text. That said, this text is easier to read than then other one. Simpler does not mean bad, this is still very good stuff. Very good!!!

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary, but ultra-conservative Orthodox. Blames Augustine for most of the evil in the world!