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Byzantine Theology: Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes
For over a thousand years, Eastern Christendom had as its center the second capital of the Roman Empire―Constantinople, the "New Rome," or Byzantium. The geographical division between the Eastern and Western Churches was only one manifestation of deeper rifts, characterized by a long history of conflicts, suspicions, and misunderstandings. Although the art, monasticism, and spirituality of Byzantium have come to be recognized as inspirational and influential in the shaping of Eastern European civilization, and of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as well, the West has been in the main ignorant of the historical evolution and the doctrinal significance of Byzantine theology.
Here, for the first time in English, is presented a synthesis of Byzantine Christian thought. The reader is guided through its complexities to an understanding of its view of man and his destiny of "deification"; its ability to transcend the "Western captivity"; its survival under quite adverse historical circumstances. In the end, he may well find himself receptive to the basic positions of Byzantine thought, which have attained, in this time of need for the reintegration of Christianity itself, a surprising, contemporary relevance.
Here, for the first time in English, is presented a synthesis of Byzantine Christian thought. The reader is guided through its complexities to an understanding of its view of man and his destiny of "deification"; its ability to transcend the "Western captivity"; its survival under quite adverse historical circumstances. In the end, he may well find himself receptive to the basic positions of Byzantine thought, which have attained, in this time of need for the reintegration of Christianity itself, a surprising, contemporary relevance.
243 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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About the author
John Meyendorff
60 books40 followersFr John Meyendorff (1926-1992) was a Professor of Church History and Patristics at St Vladimir s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and a professor of History at Fordham University, NY. He was a Fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities (1976-77), and a Guggenheim Fellow. He held honorary doctorates from the University of Notre Dame and General Theological Seminary, was a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy, and a Senior Fellow at Dumbarton Oaks. In 1990 The Diploma of Honorary Member of the Leningrad Theological Academy was bestowed upon him.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 28, 2017
An encyclopedic, dense, academic, and fascinating book tracing trends and themes in Byzantine theology and comparing, often, comparing it to Roman Catholic theology.
As a non-academic, non-religious, lay person I cam at this from the points of view of history and philosophy. I was fascinated by the very basic differences in the Eastern and Western theologies and the philosophical repercussions of each. For example the Byzantines don't share the concept of Original Sin, which meant that many of what are considered basic tenets of Catholic Church (and most protestant offshoots) are lacking in the Eastern views.
Meyendorff also compares the development of Byzantine religious thought with the Hellenic philosophies that preceded. While the text is often brick dense in theological, philosophical, and academic terminology, it's a great read if you're interested in the development of philosophical or religious thought over time and geography.
As a non-academic, non-religious, lay person I cam at this from the points of view of history and philosophy. I was fascinated by the very basic differences in the Eastern and Western theologies and the philosophical repercussions of each. For example the Byzantines don't share the concept of Original Sin, which meant that many of what are considered basic tenets of Catholic Church (and most protestant offshoots) are lacking in the Eastern views.
Meyendorff also compares the development of Byzantine religious thought with the Hellenic philosophies that preceded. While the text is often brick dense in theological, philosophical, and academic terminology, it's a great read if you're interested in the development of philosophical or religious thought over time and geography.
July 3, 2015
One of the blurbs on the back of this book says, "There is not a better book on this topic in English." I'm not qualified to say if that's true, but it's hard to imagine there being one. Meyendorff is clear, readable, and concise. The presentation of Byzantine Christianity historically followed by a systematic treatment of the major doctrinal distinctions of the East works really well. If, like me, you're interested in Eastern theology but don't have a lot of exposure, this is the book for you. It's both a great summary that stands on its own and a great introduction that opens doors up to further research and primary sources. Highly recommended!
January 24, 2015
I honestly can't recall if this is a re-read or whether it has taken me an inordinate amount of time to get around to reading Meyendorff's classic Byzantine Theology. Whatever it is, I'm glad I picked it up (again?).
The book divides into two halves. First, there is a historical survey of the development of Byzantine theology from the early days of Christianity to just beyond the fall of Constantinople. Given that I really am a historian, this is the section that I most enjoyed. The survey is detailed, theologically and histoically acute and, of course, very Orthodox. That is to be expected, of course, nor did I find it very off-putting as I'm rather sympathetic to the Orthodox take on the history of relations between the Latin West and Orthodox East. Meyendorff pulls no punches on that score, nor should he.
The second half is more of a doctrinal survey on key aspects of theology. This was harder going, largely because theology is, by itself, hard going. I liked Meyendorff's sanity, especially his note that most Orthodox discussions on the Trinity start with an admission that the Trinity is a mystery that we cannot fathom which, then, can be followed by philosophical attempts to try to understand as much as we can. I find that a more honest approach than assuming that we have it figured out which is what passes for some (not all) Western theological approaches.
Meyndorff's book is well worth reading, both for those interested in Byzantine history and in theology in general.
The book divides into two halves. First, there is a historical survey of the development of Byzantine theology from the early days of Christianity to just beyond the fall of Constantinople. Given that I really am a historian, this is the section that I most enjoyed. The survey is detailed, theologically and histoically acute and, of course, very Orthodox. That is to be expected, of course, nor did I find it very off-putting as I'm rather sympathetic to the Orthodox take on the history of relations between the Latin West and Orthodox East. Meyendorff pulls no punches on that score, nor should he.
The second half is more of a doctrinal survey on key aspects of theology. This was harder going, largely because theology is, by itself, hard going. I liked Meyendorff's sanity, especially his note that most Orthodox discussions on the Trinity start with an admission that the Trinity is a mystery that we cannot fathom which, then, can be followed by philosophical attempts to try to understand as much as we can. I find that a more honest approach than assuming that we have it figured out which is what passes for some (not all) Western theological approaches.
Meyndorff's book is well worth reading, both for those interested in Byzantine history and in theology in general.
July 14, 2016
Meyendorff is a master at weaving together history and theology in the ancient tradition of another John, the Damascene. Of all the surveys of Orthodox theology, this is perhaps the most informative.
May 2, 2019
В моем представлении Иоанн Мейендорф был и остается крупнейшим историком Церкви и византологом 20-го века. Однако эта небольшая его работа превзошла все мои ожидания. Прошу прощения за столь высокопарное сравнение, но, на мой взгляд, эта книга может восприниматься как новая версия ТИПВ Иоанна Дамаскина, написанная более 12 столетий спустя и для современного читателя.
Работа состоит из двух частей: краткого исторического описания этапов развития византийской богословской мысли и систематического обзора ключевых доктринальных тем. Сама по себе попытка отойти от обычного формата многочисленных "историй Церкви", "введений в патристику" и "историй византийской философии", в которых по очереди пересказываются взгляды ключевых мыслителей, их споры и соборные определения, а вместо этого изложить в виде некоторой системы итоги тысячелетия богословских и философских изысканий - является крайне смелой. Сложно назвать кого-либо еще, кроме Иоанна Мейендорфа, Ярослава Пеликана и, быть может, еще 2-3 ученых, кому было бы под силу такое предприятие.
Надеюсь еще не раз вернуться к этой книге и перечитать многие ее фрагменты.
Работа состоит из двух частей: краткого исторического описания этапов развития византийской богословской мысли и систематического обзора ключевых доктринальных тем. Сама по себе попытка отойти от обычного формата многочисленных "историй Церкви", "введений в патристику" и "историй византийской философии", в которых по очереди пересказываются взгляды ключевых мыслителей, их споры и соборные определения, а вместо этого изложить в виде некоторой системы итоги тысячелетия богословских и философских изысканий - является крайне смелой. Сложно назвать кого-либо еще, кроме Иоанна Мейендорфа, Ярослава Пеликана и, быть может, еще 2-3 ученых, кому было бы под силу такое предприятие.
Надеюсь еще не раз вернуться к этой книге и перечитать многие ее фрагменты.
November 27, 2019
Meyndorff does a fantastic job at giving a historical and theological overview of the Eastern church.
The first half of the book focuses on the seven ecumenical councils and how the East responded to various heresies such as monophysitism and monothelitism. There are also two chapters on monasticism in the East. Meyndorff also discusses what led up to the schism between East and West. He explains the council of Florence and the theological context surrounding it -- the filioque, Anselm's theory of satisfaction, purgatory, Western development of the papacy etc.
The second half delves into the theological "meat" of Byzantine theology, specifically that of the Cappadocian Fathers. Meyndorff relies heavily on Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, and Maximus the Confessor. Much time is spent on the East's view of creation, man, Christ, the incarnation/hypostatic union, the Holy Spirit, the epiclesis in the liturgy, the formulation of the Trinity, sanctification and theosis, the sacraments of the Church, and the church's role in the world with respect to the eschaton and the political order.
The first half of the book focuses on the seven ecumenical councils and how the East responded to various heresies such as monophysitism and monothelitism. There are also two chapters on monasticism in the East. Meyndorff also discusses what led up to the schism between East and West. He explains the council of Florence and the theological context surrounding it -- the filioque, Anselm's theory of satisfaction, purgatory, Western development of the papacy etc.
The second half delves into the theological "meat" of Byzantine theology, specifically that of the Cappadocian Fathers. Meyndorff relies heavily on Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, and Maximus the Confessor. Much time is spent on the East's view of creation, man, Christ, the incarnation/hypostatic union, the Holy Spirit, the epiclesis in the liturgy, the formulation of the Trinity, sanctification and theosis, the sacraments of the Church, and the church's role in the world with respect to the eschaton and the political order.
October 26, 2021
Not always an easy read, but extremely interesting. A prior grounding in Platonism and Hellenistic philosophy would perhaps be an advantage, as the significance of some theological developments and clarifications were lost on me.
Most interesting of all are the differences in western and eastern Christian theology. Eastern Christianity rejects the notion of "inherited guilt" via the original sin of humanity, rather viewing sin as a sickness to be cured by forbearance and mercy. It also lacks the legalism of Roman Catholicism, where sins must be "satisfied" and cleansed in purgatory. However, the text is much fairer and more nuanced than my crude summary.
Most interesting of all are the differences in western and eastern Christian theology. Eastern Christianity rejects the notion of "inherited guilt" via the original sin of humanity, rather viewing sin as a sickness to be cured by forbearance and mercy. It also lacks the legalism of Roman Catholicism, where sins must be "satisfied" and cleansed in purgatory. However, the text is much fairer and more nuanced than my crude summary.
February 7, 2022
Very illuminating on a part of Christian history not told from western academic study.
This is a very interesting read including some dialgoues and encounters between schismed latins and the Orthodox in the early middle ages.
This is a very interesting read including some dialgoues and encounters between schismed latins and the Orthodox in the early middle ages.
November 15, 2024
Clear and well written, interesting, very helpful. Like I said with the Stoudios book earlier- DISSERTATION? I'm not gonna start logging all the books I read for my dis, but I do think that the ones I particularly enjoy will be added here. and THIS is one of them
January 8, 2020
A good primer by one of the OCA's largest figures. Would recommend as an intro to anyone with interest in the subject.
September 22, 2020
Too Catholic for my taste. I didn't find it accurate reading Orthodox theology.
August 9, 2021
Good stuff. Gave me a lot to think about. Definitely will be reading again in the future.
January 11, 2024
A good intro to Eastern Orthodoxy.
June 22, 2024
A comprehensive, relatively systematic Summa of Byzantine thought. Incredibly well researched and informative. Four stars not five because it was boring as hell.
August 24, 2025
Worth every second.
October 4, 2021
Très bonne introduction à la théologie byzantine dans laquelle l'auteur cherche à transmettre une façon de voir Dieu plus qu'une suite de définition doctrinales. L'auteur confessant lui-même que cela serait très difficile au vu de la manière de faire byzantine.
Alors si l'on cherche une systèmatique byzantine l'on pourrait être déçu, l'on pourrait trouver le livre un peu "court". Mais l'auteur parvient à quelque chose de plus important, décrire une pensée. Et c'est souvent ce qui manque dans bien des livres sur la théologie.
On a bien des definitions mais il manque la pensée, le "qu'est-ce que raconte cette doctrine" pas juste ce qu'elle est. Peut-être cela est plus facile à faire avec la théologie byzantine ? (même si certains y parviennent comme Calvin dans son "Institution" par exemple).
Par contre je vous déconseille de faire un jeu à boire avec le mot "Hypostase" et ses dérivés. Même les plus robustes n'iront pas au delà de la seconde page ^^
Alors si l'on cherche une systèmatique byzantine l'on pourrait être déçu, l'on pourrait trouver le livre un peu "court". Mais l'auteur parvient à quelque chose de plus important, décrire une pensée. Et c'est souvent ce qui manque dans bien des livres sur la théologie.
On a bien des definitions mais il manque la pensée, le "qu'est-ce que raconte cette doctrine" pas juste ce qu'elle est. Peut-être cela est plus facile à faire avec la théologie byzantine ? (même si certains y parviennent comme Calvin dans son "Institution" par exemple).
Par contre je vous déconseille de faire un jeu à boire avec le mot "Hypostase" et ses dérivés. Même les plus robustes n'iront pas au delà de la seconde page ^^
May 11, 2023
I enjoyed reading the Orthodox perspective on the earlier Eastern Church fathers whom I am studying for my dissertation. The author would not agree, but the theology of theosis of those Fathers was more of an analogy or a metaphor than the dogmatic doctrine of the Byzantine Eastern Orthodox Church.
His explanation of the East/West split was the best explanation that I've ever read.
His constant pointing out the usefulness of Orthodox theology for today is very helpful.
As a whole, his book assisted in the writing of my dissertation proposal.
His explanation of the East/West split was the best explanation that I've ever read.
His constant pointing out the usefulness of Orthodox theology for today is very helpful.
As a whole, his book assisted in the writing of my dissertation proposal.
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November 21, 2009None
March 8, 2011
Very dense and packed with information. Comprehensively covers Byzantine theology and its relation to current Orthodoxy. Exam list.
May 8, 2013
It is a good commentary for the Eastern Orthodox!
May 13, 2025
A generally good review of the trends in patristic theology, but with many historical errors and a clear anti-western sentiment based on misunderstandings.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews