Foundations of Eastern Christian Theology

An analysis of the fundamental categories of faith, revelation and tradition within the Eastern Christian context, as understood according to its distinctive theological methodology, as well as a survey of the living monuments and media of the Holy Spirit's life in the Church: Scripture, patristic texts, creeds, councils, liturgy, iconography, hagiography and the canonical tradition. We will explore the underlying modalities of faith and revelation especially in light of contemporary skepticism and hermeneutical concerns and gain familiarity with the characteristic methods of Orthodox theology (particularly apophaticism and antinomy). We will then analyze and critique the notion of "Tradition," by exploring its classic expressions, and consider how academic theology may be incorporated into pastoral practice.