For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church

by David Bentley Hart (Editor), John Chryssavgis (Editor)

This publication, edited by eminent theologians Dr. David Bentley Hart and Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, imparts a much-needed roadmap for navigating modern-day challenges with the wisdom of the Orthodox spiritual tradition. It delves into such critical issues as racism, poverty, injustice, human rights, reproductive technology, bioethics, and climate change.

The book is the culmination of the work of a special commission of theologians appointed by His All-Holiness to prepare a document on the social doctrine of the Orthodox Church. The commission included Dr. James C. Skedros, Michael G. and Anastasia Cantonis Professor of Byzantine Studies and Professor of Early Christianity at Holy Cross.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America concludes his foreword to the book by saying, “This text offers to the reader, who is willing to listen, insight and guidance on how to participate in life in the world, all the while enjoying life in the Spirit. It is my prayer and hope that its enlightened discourse will spur all of us to lift our sights to our higher purpose, to the better angels of our nature, and to richer and deeper communion with God and with one another.”

Genres: Theology

Paperback

Published July 13, 2020

About the author

David Bentley Hart, an Eastern Orthodox scholar of religion and a philosopher, writer, and cultural commentator, is a fellow at the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study. He lives in South Bend, IN.

Reviews

[Cyril Hovorun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For the Life of the World” promulgated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate crowns several decades of attempts to produce a comprehensive social doctrine of the Orthodox Church. It is based on the international Orthodox traditions of the last century and wisely distinguishes between what is helpful and what is not helpful in it. A Panorthodox council was supposed to formulate and adopt such a doctrine, but it has failed. Other attempts, such as the social corpus of the Russian Orthodox Church, cannot meet the criteria to serve all Orthodox churches, as it is focused on the internal political agendas of Russia. So far, the FLW is the most comprehensive, the most consistent, and simply the best social Orthodox doctrine so far. It is well balanced, richly supplied with biblical and patristic evidence, written in a clear, compassionate, and convincing tone. I would personally argue that this is the best Christian social doctrine that I am aware of.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a considerable book, beautifully written, discussing many weighty matters of our modern life, always with grace, love and wisdom. It deserves and needs to be read. As recommended in its final pages, it is best to be discussed. You may agree, or disagree in part. None the less, it reflects the voice of The Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. It will make you think, it might challenge you. I highly recommend this book to every Orthodox Christian.

[Noah Senthil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is—in many respects—an impressive document, fully worthy of attention from Orthodox and other Christian communions. The sheer breadth of topics covered is immense: church and state, sex and marriage, technology and parenting, abortion and exploitation, poverty and wealth, war and violence, ecumenical dialogue, human rights and civil rights, science and medicine, creation care and climate change, along with a number of other topics. They are usually handled with care and intentionally, with a depth of learning and prayerfulness behind them. In short, this is an extraordinary synthesis of Eastern Orthodox social ethics.

I do, however, take issue with a number of claims or arguments. For example, the universal abolition of the death penalty; acquiescence on the permissibility of remarriage, contraception, and IVF; and the push for all wealthier countries to cancel the debts of poorer ones, and offer universal healthcare for all. Considering the final example, there is a strong targeting of the United States at various points (often implicitly), when talking about military expenses, capitalism, and immigration. This is not without warrant, and I’m inclined to agree on various issues, but parts of it appear biased and simplistic.

Overall, disagreement is bound to happen on such a broad-sweeping document, of course, but there are some notable ways in which this document is very modern. Obviously, this is not intended to be their final word but merely an attempt as making some sort of formal Orthodox Social Teaching. In that regard, I commend their efforts, and I hope that Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants can increasingly dialogue and collaborate on Christian moral theology and social ethics.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

An expression of some of the highest ideals of Orthodoxy as a couple of Orthodox scholars reflect on various issues related to the Church itself, its role in society, and its witness related to contemporary themes. The book does occasionally note that the Church has not always lived up to its ideals. Though maybe too early to tell, I think the book's perspective will seem dated considering recent political changes which have swept across the U.S.

[Micah Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

An encouraging Orthodox appraisal of the faith as it interacts with the modern life and culture of our day. I appreciated the use of the Church Fathers to inform the argument and teachings throughout the book.

[Michael Tesfaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

My faith.