Orthodox Mission Theology (CT8819A)

Content

This unit examines the theological development of an Orthodox perspective on Christian witness or mission. It studies an Orthodox theology of mission from a range of biblical, theological, and liturgical perspectives. Through the works of Orthodox mission theologians, the unit demonstrates the relevance of the Orthodox mission theology to today’s global and local contexts. Students are required to critically engage with an Orthodox theology of mission in the light of contemporary social, religious, political, and ecological challenges. The unit also examines the salient features of mission theology in other Christian traditions to encourage a more comprehensive understanding of Christian mission.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

No prerequisites

Pedagogy

lectures, presentations, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

• Anastasios, Archbishop. Mission in Christ’s Way: An Orthodox Understanding of Mission. Brookline, Massachusetts: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2010.
• Bevans, Stephen B. Schroeder, Roger P. Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2004.
• Bosch, David J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1992.
• Bria, Iorn. “The Church’s Role in Evangelism - Icon or Platform?” International Review of Mission 64 (1975): 243–50.
• Bria, Iorn, ed. Go Forth in Peace: Orthodox Perspectives on Mission. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1986.
• Bria, Iorn. The Liturgy After the Liturgy: Mission and Witness from an Orthodox Perspective. Geneva: WCC Publications, 1996.
• Coibotea, Daniel, D.-I. “Unity and Mission, an Orthodox Perspective.” International Journal of Mission 78, no. 309 (1989): 30–36.
• George, K.M. “Towards a Eucharistic Missiology: An Orthodox Perspective,” edited by Bijesh Philip and Jogy C. George, 11–22. Nagpur, Thiruvalla: St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary & CSS, 2016.
• George, K.M., Petros Vassiliadis, Niki Papageorgiou, and Nikos Dimitriadis. “Mission Among Other Faiths: An Orthodox Perspective,” In Orthodox Perspectives on Mission, 197–200. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2013.
• Mar Osthatheos, Geevarghese. “Mission and the Uniqueness of Jesus Christ,” In Dimensions of Mission in India, edited by Joseph Mattom and Sebastian Kim, 67–86. Bombay: St.Paul Press Training School, 1995.
• Markos, Bishop Antonius. An Introduction into Theology of Mission. Johannesburg, South Africa: Coptic Bishopric of African Affairs., 1997.
• Meyendorff, John. Living Tradition: Orthodox Witness in the Contemporary World. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1978.
• Rommen, Edward. Into All the World: An Orthodox Theology of Mission. Yonkers, NY: St. Vladimer’s Seminary Press, 2017.
• Schnabel, Eckhard J. Early Christian Mission. Downers Grove, Illinois: Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 2004.
  
• Stamoolis, James J. Eastern Orthodox Mission Theology Today. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis books, 1986.
• Vassiliadis, Petros. Eucharist and Witness: Orthodox Perspectives on the Unity and Mission of the Church. Geneva: WCC Publications, 1998.
• Vassiliadis, Petros, Nikos Dimitriadis, and Niki Papageorgiou. “Orthodox Church’s Perspectives,” edited by Lalsangkima Pachuau and Knud Jorgensen, 75–78. Oxford: Regnum Books International, 2011.

Assessment