Modern Orthodox Thinkers

Andrew Louth, one of the most respected authorities on Orthodoxy, introduces us to twenty key thinkers from the last two centuries. He begins with the Philokalia, the influential Orthodox collection published in 1782 which marked so many subsequent writers. The colorful characters, poets and thinkers who populate this book range from Romania, Serbia, Greece, England, France and also include exiles from Communist Russia. Louth offers historical and biographical sketches that help us understand the thought and impact of these men and women. Only some of them belong to the ranks of professional theologians. Many were neither priests nor bishops, but influential laymen. The book concludes with an illuminating chapter on Metropolitan Kallistos and the theological vision of the Philokalia.

Louth is skillful in translating concepts and ideas that may be foreign to the non-Orthodox reader, while keeping the flow of the book from stalling. Not only was Modern Orthodox Thinkers helpful to me in pointing out some of the unique ways Orthodoxy views the Christian faith, but it also pulled together the historical developments of the Orthodox Church in America and gave me a richer understanding of several of the Orthodox writers I have read in the past. I'm certain that many Orthodox readers will find the book a worthwhile read, and for American Protestants, this book may well give you better insight as to why Orthodoxy is finding a foothold in North America.--Michael Philliber, Deus Misereatur, December 26, 2015, This book is much more than an encyclopaedic survey. It is a gateway to various thinkers whose books and articles are not easy reading. It makes texts and authors accessible which were originally not easily available in English. Worth mentioning again, is the experiential awareness of the way in which Orthodox theology is done and fosters a sense of intimacy in the way Louth presents particular thinkers.--Zdenko S. Sirka, Journal of Reformed Theology 11 (2017), This book will be a revelation to those unfamiliar with orthodoxy, and can serve as an excellent introduction. For those already familiar with the general scope of modern orthodox theology, this will be an essential work distinguishing and comparing the variety of orthodox theologians. Highly recommended!--Clint Schnekloth, Lutheran Confessions, October 26, 2015, This is a most thorough, very accessible, and fascinating overview of modern Orthodox theology, with very helpful presentation as well as commentary by the author. It will become the standard text in courses on the Eastern Church and its thought for years to come.--Michael Plekon, Cistercian Studies Quarterly, 51.3, 2016

Andrew Louth is emeritus professor of patristic and Byzantine studies at Durham University. His recent publications include Introducing Eastern Orthodox Theology, Greek East and Latin West, AD 681-1071, Maximus the Confessor and The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition.