Vassiliadis, Petros (2013) A Theology of Mission from an Orthodox Perspective. In: Foundations for Mission. Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series, 13 . Regnum Books International; Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, Oxford, UK, pp. 154-162. ISBN 978-1-908355-12-6
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
An Orthodox perspective is often a vague attribution, since Orthodoxy is normally defined in confessional or denominational term as the Eastern branch of Christianity which was separated from the West. This is how the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church describes the Orthodox Church: "a family of churches, situated mainly in Eastern Europe: each member church is independent in its internal administration, but all share the same faith and are in communion with one another, acknowledging the honorary primacy of the Patriarch of Constantinople." This definition no longer holds true. Closer to the truth was the analysis provided by D. J. Bosch. Although Bosch in his opening chapters deals with the Greek speaking world, in which Christian ideas of mission were influenced by Greek philosophy, the picture he gives is almost identical to the Orthodox understanding of mission. Having little expectation of the immediate return of Jesus and being settled into this world, the church inevitably acquired a concrete mission to save the world by lifting human nature up into the Divine. As sign and symbol of God's presence in the world, the church called people to a mystical communion with God. If one has to isolate a biblical text as a foundation for the mission of the church in this period it is certainly John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life." God loved us and Christian mission was to love and worship God.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Mission theology/theory B Mission theology/theory > Evangelism/Proclamation of Gospel B Mission theology/theory > Mission, partnership and cooperation D World Christianity and Central Eastern Europe > Europe G Christian traditions/Denominations > Eastern Orthodox |
| Divisions: | Balkan countries Balkan countries > Greece |
| Depositing User: | Speranca Tomin |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Dec 2021 15:19 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Jan 2022 08:11 |
| URI: | https://ceeamsprints.osims.org/id/eprint/2418 |
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