Priests of Creation: John Zizioulas on Discerning an Ecological Ethos

by John Chryssavgis (Editor), Nikolaos Asproulis (Editor)

Overview

Based on a constructive reading of Scripture, the apostolic and patristic traditions and deeply rooted in the sacramental experience and spiritual ethos of the Orthodox Church, John Zizioulas offers a timely anthropological and cosmological perspective of human beings as “priests of creation” in addressing the current ecological crisis.

Given the critical and urgent character of the global crisis and by adopting a clear line of argumentation, Zizioulas describes a vision based on a compassionate and incarnational conception of the human beings as liturgical beings, offering creation to God for the life of the world. He encourages the need for deeper interaction with modern science, from which theology stands to gain an appreciation of the interconnection of every aspect of materiality and life with humankind. The result is an articulate and promising vision that inspires a new ethos, or way of life, to overcome our alienation from the rest of creation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567699091
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/01/2021
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

John Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon, was previously Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Glasgow and Visiting Professor at King's College London, UK.

John Chryssavgis serves as theological advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch on environmental issues, USA.

Nikolaos Asproulis is deputy director at Volos Academy of Theological Studies, Greece.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Introduction: Toward an Ecological Ethos l

I Historical Roots 19

1 St. Paul and the Ecological Problem 21

2 The Book of Revelation and the Natural Environment 31

3 Creation Theology: An Orthodox Perspective 38

II Theological Approaches 53

4 Orthodoxy and the Ecological Crisis 55

5 A Theological Approach to the Ecological Problem 61

6 An Orthodox Response to the Environmental Challenge 73

III Liturgical Perspectives 91

7 Preserving God's Creation: Three Lectures on Theology and Ecology 93

8 The Eucharistic Vision of the World 133

9 Proprietors or Priests of Creation? 144

IV Ecological Ethics or Ecological Ethos? 155

10 Ethics or Ethos? A Brief Sketch 157

11 Toward an Environmental Ethic 160

V Scientific and Spiritual Dimensions 173

12 Religion and Science: A Theological Approach 175

13 Humanity and Nature: Learning from the Indigenous 186

14 Man and Animals 197

VI Ecumenical and Cultural Implications 203

15 Ecological Asceticism: A Cultural Revolution 205

16 Communion and Communication 210

17 Pope Francis and Laudato Si' 214

Conclusion: From Here to Where? 221

Original Publications 228

Select Bibliography 231

Index of Names 233

Index of Terms 235

Editorial Reviews

The ideas presented here are indeed powerful. Zizioulas's rich theological vision is a welcome intervention in environmental theology, and this collection is a compelling presentation of that vision. The accessibility of Zizioulas's writing combined with the originality of his arguments make this book a valuable resource for anyone committed to seeking theological responses to environmental crises. At the same time, his scholarly acumen makes it equally useful for academics and students in religion and ecology or environmental ethics.” —Studies in Christian Ethics

“In the development of a coherent theological response to the environmental crisis, John Zizioulas is the pre-eminent Orthodox voice. Having his scattered writings collected in one volume, with some new pieces to fill in gaps, will be a boon to everyone who believes that ecology poses spiritual questions.” —Elizabeth Theokritoff, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, UK

“Those looking for an Orthodox take on the ecological crisis cannot do better than reading this collection of essays on humans as priests of creation. One of the most compelling theologians of our time argues here that, in the face of ecological crisis, we need more than just moral transformation (e.g. taming voracious greed). We need a radical change in the way we interpret the world and our relation to it.” —Miroslav Volf, Yale Center for Faith & Culture, USA

“This outstanding anthology of Metropolitan John's writings on ecology shows what a coherent and compelling contribution Christianity can make to this vital issue of our time. Unfolding its intrinsically ecological aspect dramatically enhances the ecumenical value of his eucharistic ecclesiology.” —Paul McPartlan, The Catholic University of America, USA

From the Publisher