For the Life of the World - Classics Series, Vol. 1

by Fr. Alexander Schmemann

Of what life do we speak, what life do we preach, proclaim, and announce when, as Christians, we confess that Christ died for the life of the world? In For the Life of the World Alexander Schmemann suggests an approach to the world and life within it, which stems from the liturgical experience of the Orthodox Church. He understands issues such as secularism and Christian culture from the perspective of the unbroken experience of the Church, as revealed and communicated in her worship, in her liturgy—the sacrament of the world, the sacrament of the Kingdom. For over half a century For the Life of the World has challenged, illumined, and inspired readers from many backgrounds. For some it is an introduction to the Orthodox Church, while for others it is a call to plunge more deeply into the life of the Kingdom, both manifested and anticipated here and now in the liturgy of the Church. This updated edition of Schmemann’s classic text includes a new foreword by Dr Edith M. Humphrey, along with new explanatory notes and an index. FATHER ALEXANDER SCHMEMANN was a prolific writer, brilliant lecturer, and dedicated pastor. Former dean and professor of liturgical theology at St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, his insight into contemporary culture and liturgical celebration left an indelible mark on the Christian community worldwide.

Genres: Theology

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2019

Reviews

[Samuel Sadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really not sure how exclusive this book is to Eastern Orthodoxy. As an Anglo-Presby, I found myself agreeing with most of Schmemann's arguments. Differences may be in practice. Generally, this is a helpful vision of Christian theology.

[Adaelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I loved this book. (Shocker, I know.)

My only complaints were with Fr. Schmemman’s sentence structure, quotation marks, and italics, because at some points, they just made it so much more confusing than it already was.

My questions about the relationship of the natural and supernatural remain unanswered, but probably only going to Liturgy will answer them more fully. So, I have no complaints about that.

Overall, an excellent book, with much good food for thought.

[Brittany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and pastoral introduction to an Orthodox perspective of the consideration of the ‘deep mysteries of the cosmos, the Church, and our roles therein’ (as phrased by Edith Mary Humphrey in the foreword); a thorough introduction to the sacraments and their liturgies as practiced within the Orthodox Church.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fantastic!