Theology as Doxology and Dialogue

The Essential Writings of Nikos Nissiotis

Edited by Nikolaos Asproulis and John Chryssavgis - Foreword by John Zizioulas

Nikos Nissiotis (1924-1986) was one of the foremost and formative intellectuals of the ecumenical movement in the twentieth century. As professor of philosophy and psychology of religion at the University of Athens, director of the Bossey Institute, and Chairman of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, he interpreted the Orthodox spiritual tradition for a Western audience and highlighted the role of Christian thought in the modern world.

This collection of his most fundamental and significant articles – some of which have been largely inaccessible until now – includes an introduction by the editors to the ecumenical and theological legacy of this exceptional thinker.

Lexington Books / Fortress Academic

Pages: 348 • Trim: 6¼ x 9

978-1-9787-0342-1 • Hardback • February 2019 • $111.00 • (£85.00)

978-1-9787-0343-8 • eBook • February 2019 • $105.00 • (£77.00)

Subjects: Religion / Christian Theology / History, Religion / Ecumenism & Interfaith

Theology as Doxology and Dialogue

The Essential Writings of Nikos Nissiotis

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Nikos Nissiotis (1924-1986) was one of the foremost and formative intellectuals of the ecumenical movement in the twentieth century. As professor of philosophy and psychology of religion at the University of Athens, director of the Bossey Institute, and Chairman of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, he interpreted the Orthodox spiritual tradition for a Western audience and highlighted the role of Christian thought in the modern world.

This collection of his most fundamental and significant articles – some of which have been largely inaccessible until now – includes an introduction by the editors to the ecumenical and theological legacy of this exceptional thinker.

Details

Lexington Books / Fortress Academic

Pages: 348 • Trim: 6¼ x 9

978-1-9787-0342-1 • Hardback • February 2019 • $111.00 • (£85.00)

978-1-9787-0343-8 • eBook • February 2019 • $105.00 • (£77.00)

Subjects: Religion / Christian Theology / History, Religion / Ecumenism & Interfaith

Author

Nikolaos Asproulis is deputy director of the Volos Academy for Theological Studies and lecturer in the Studies in Eastern Orthodox Theology Postgraduate Program at Hellenic Open University.

John Chryssavgis is archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and theological advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on environmental issues.

Table of Contents

Foreword by John Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon

Acknowledgments

Introduction by John Chryssavgis

Part 1: Prelude to Theology

1. Theology as Science and Doxology

2. Reflections on the Renewal of Systematic Theology

Part 2: Scripture and Tradition

3. The Unity of Scripture and Tradition

4. Corporate Worship and Individual Prayer

Part 3: Trinity and Creation

5. The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity in Church Life and Theology

6. Pneumatological Christology as a Presupposition of Ecclesiology

7. Secular and Christian Images of the Human Person

8. Pneumatological Christology: Nature, Ecology, and Integral Humanity

Part 4: Church and Society

9. Our History: Limitation or Creative Power?

10. The Unity of Grace

Part 5: Ecumenism and Mission

11. The Ecclesiological Foundation of Mission

12. The Witness and the Service of Orthodoxy to the Undivided Church

Part 6: Theology and Education

13. Toward an Ecumenical Theological Education

14. Toward an Orthodox Theological Education

Bibliography

About the Editors

Reviews

Three decades after his untimely death, the theological and ecumenical legacy of Nikos Nissiotis remains unprecedented and undiscovered. At a time when global society and Christianity face unforeseen challenges in society and politics, science and technology, as well as the rise of religious nationalism and radicalism, Nissiotis’ theological voice, founded on the spirit of dialogue, offers a vibrant interpretation of Church teaching as well as a timely reflection on ecumenical relations.

Nikos Nissiotis served for many years as Director of the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey and was the Orthodox voice in the World Council of Churches in Geneva. In ecumenical conferences throughout the world, he was capable of communicating the Orthodox response to questions of common interest in a clear, coherent, and comprehensible manner. We miss this extraordinary Greek theologian in the global dialogue of Christianity, and we will never forget his theology of “paschal joy.”
— Jürgen Moltmann

Nikos Nissiotis was a landmark for modern Greek theology, representing a “different” kind of theologian, scholar, and professor, while relating the language of theology with the immediacy of experience. For Nissiotis, theology preserved and integrated the exciting realism of existential value without any trace of intellectualism. His teaching sustained the freshness of vibrant reflection, transcending the delusion of narrow-minded introspection. He refused to divorce theology from philosophy, perceiving theology as a source and inspiration of vitality and delight.
— Christos Yannaras, Professor Emeritus, Panteios University of Political Science

Nikos Nissiotis was among the first to open the eyes and ears of Christians from other traditions to the theological and spiritual treasures of the Orthodox Church. As Director of the Ecumenical Institute Bossey and as Moderator of the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches, he has left a profound mark on the ecumenical movement.
— Konrad Raiser, Former General Secretary, World Council of Churches