Elements of Faith: An Introduction to Orthodox Theology

by Christos Yannaras

A clear and concise introduction to Orthodox theology.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion, Christian, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Catholic

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Christos Yannaras (Greek: Χρήστος Γιανναράς) was a Greek philosopher, Eastern Orthodox theologian and author of more than 50 books which have been translated into many languages. He was a professor emeritus of philosophy at the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Yannaras and also my first time exploring Orthodox theology. It was a wonderful experience! Yannaras is a philosopher and his first language is not English. Both of these result in slightly-difficult to understand words and ideas. Overall, I think his translator did a very good job because Yannaras is attempting something difficult: how to share a different view of the world. The East and the West think very differently! While much of the theology in the book is what all Christians understand to be true - a blessed reinforcement of the unity which we so frequently think is not there - the distinctives of Orthodox theology were what I needed to know. I would need to read this book a second time to do justice to it, but, for now let me say these are the distictives I observed: 1) a different, even reverse, approach to knowledge such that mystery is acknowledged and embraced 2) a rejection of the infallibility of the pope (Catholicism) and the inerrancy of Scripture (Protestantism) 3) it just seemed a lot more peaceful and less angst-ridden than what I associate with the other two branches of the faith. Of course it has its problems, but at the level of theory I loved what I was seeing so much in this little book. If only all the Christians could hear the other Christians - I think we have so much to learn from each other.

I have NOT done justice to some of the fundamental and revolutionary concepts of the book (revolutionary to a Westerner's mind). If I get time, I will update this review.

[Иван Зубофф · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга моей мечты.

Всю свою сознательную жизнь я неправильно воспринимал православие. Я видел его глазами атеиста или протестанта, и потому оно казалось мне неправильным. Но, разумеется, для полноты знакомства нужно посмотреть на него изнутри, и я не ожидал того, что увижу.

Очень полезное и интересное произведение. Я нашёл ответы на вопросы, которые давно меня мучали. Я думал, что знаю на них ответы, и ответы эти мне казались неубедительными, но по факту я ответов не знал, мне казались неубедительными выдуманные мной ложные концепции.

Всем рекомендую.

Чёткий, лаконичный текст, убедительная аргументация, спокойный тон. Кажется, что такое чтение будет полезно любому атеисту для общего развития. Не возникает ощущения, что тебя пытаются в чём-то убедить -- нет, просто высказывают свою точку зрения и аргументы в пользу неё.

[John Konkle]

Skimmed, not read carefully. A useful and thought-provoking overview of Orthodoxy, moderately but not overly technical. Emphasizes the experiential nature of Orthodoxy, but it is not written in such a way to invite one into that experience. It is worth a more detailed read, maybe as a basis for a study of its main themes quite generally, i.e., for working out the articulation of one's own views. Some glaring weaknesses include:
* consistently paints "the west" with a very broad (and typical) brush, and gives the feel of 'Thank God I'm not like that westerner!" all the while not taking ownership of one's own (pejorative) western tendencies.
* Speaks as if Orthodoxy is (essentially) Greek, in many respects, including the ability to completely ignore Russian/Slavic authors/influence, until the last couple pages, and then only to note their succumbing to "the west."
* Nearly barren of references.

[Mike_msc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Большая часть книги - унылый пересказ глав учебника по догматическому богословию, при постоянных выпадах в адрес католичества в стиле нападок сектантов на "большую, но неправильную церковь".
Оживляется повествование на страницах с описанием исторических событий, здесь во всей красе мы видим греческий национализм. Прочитав книгу, возникает ощущение, что христианство - логическое продолжение великой эллинской цивилизации, вне эллинства христианство неизбежно портится, даже в других православных государствах, о которых автор если и упоминает, то исключительно в негативном ключе.

[Christian Proano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers what it offers and more, what an excellent bullet point exposition of the Orthodox perspective, intellectually challenging; spiritually encouraging. Contrasting some pivot differences between East and West. Every one should read it, if not to accept the position of the East, at least for matters of gaining perspective, this book is an intellectual and yet understandable treat.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

ik zou dit boek aan niemand aanraden, want het taalgebruik is nogal ingewikkeld, maar ik vond het wel een fantastisch boek. zo ontzettend verfrissend en het heeft me echt geholpen om het echte leven weer te zien in plaats van alle dogma's.