Speaking The Truth In Love: Education, Mission, And Witness In Contemporary Orthodoxy

by Thomas Hopko

These collected lectures were written during Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko's decade as dean of St Vladimir's Seminary from 1992 to 2002, and all deal with what it means for Orthodox Christians to speak and to act in a loving manner in societal and ecclesiastical settings, particularly in twentieth-century North America. Especially relevant are his remarks regarding education and spiritual formation in Orthodox theological schools: his historical background regarding the formation of Orthodox seminaries in the United States is enlightening. In an effort to dispel misconceptions, he also presents readers with an insightful view of Orthodox participation in ecumenical activities. Additionally, he comments on the relationship between clergy and laity and makes some pertinent observations about the challenges to the Church in post-modern and post-communist societies. The thread holding these essays together is St Paul's admonition to speak the truth in love and to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ (Eph 4.15).

Genres: Spirituality, Theology

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2004

About the author

Thomas Hopko is an Orthodox Christian priest and theologian. He was the Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from September 1992 until July 1, 2002 and taught dogmatic theology there from 1968 until 2002. Now retired, he carries the honorary title of Dean Emeritus. Father Hopko is a prominent Orthodox Christian lecturer and speaker, well-known both in Orthodox and ecumenical circles. He has several podcasts on the internet radio station for Orthodox Christians called Ancient Faith Radio

Reviews

[w gall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father Thomas sets forth the narrow way, our corporate "telos (Gk)," our mission and goal - which is mercy, as well as perfection. And he also sets forth our present failure to apply ourselves to the goal, concentrating on our lack of dedication to the unity of the Church, among Orthodox Christians themselves and in our efforts to see separated Christian bodies move toward unity in the fullness of the Faith (speaking of the adversaries of ecumenism and those who would abandon the fullness for a false unity). He defends ecumenism as a worthy effort. He speaks as a scholar, though without too many difficult terms. The book, though, is not focused on everyday Christian Life, which the title suggests. That would have been of more value to the laity of the Church.