The Ecumenical Legacy of the Cappadocians

About the Author  Nicu Dumitraşcu is Professor of Patristics, Mission, and Ecumenism in the Faculty of Orthodox Theology “Episcop Dr. Vasile Coman” in the University of Oradea, Romania. His most recent book is Christian Family and Contemporary Society (2014). His forthcoming publication is Basil: Faith, Mission and Diplomacy in Shaping Christian Doctrine (2016).    Product Description  This book brings the Cappadocian Fathers to life and explores their contributions to subsequent Christian thought. Melding together a thematic and individualized approach, the book examines Cappadocian thought in relation to Greek philosophy and the musings of other Christian thinkers of the time. The volume is unique in that it details the Cappadocian legacy upon the three central divisions of Christianity, rather than focusing on one confession. Providing a multifaceted assessment of the spirituality and beliefs of the fourth-century Church, contributors interweave historical studies into their philosophical and theological discussions. The volume draws together an international team of scholars from a variety of academic backgrounds including philosophy, theology, and Classics. The contributors bring their unique perspectives to bear on their analysis of the Cappadocians’ theological contributions. Special attention is given to the Cappadocians’ influence on pneumatology, Christology, and ethics. The Ecumenical Legacy of the Cappadocians sets the Cappodocians’ theoretical views in relief against the political and historical background of their day, enlivening and vivifying the analysis with engaging biographical sketches.    Review "The three Cappadocian Fathers, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, have made a fundamental and enduring contribution to theology, alike in East and West. The many-sided presentations in this present volume, written by specialists, show clearly the creative originality of the ecumenical legacy of the Cappadocians." - Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, Oxford, UK"This volume is a long-awaited work on the huge significance of the Cappadocians to the development of Christian history, doctrine, and spirituality. Nicu Dumitra?cu has used his well-known expertise in patristic and ecumenical matters to rope in a large number of high-ranking academics and scholars from many countries." - Hector Scerri, Faculty of Theology, University of Malta"This book offers an ecumenical survey of the wide scope of influence of the Doctors of the Church in modern theological thinking." - Daniel Alberto Ayuch, University of Balamand, Lebanon"This book fits perfectly in the research line of Nicu Dumitra?cu. In this well-structured book, he relates the insights of the Church fathers to contemporary ecclesiological and missiological questions." - Peter De Mey, University of Leuven, Belgium"Early Christian views, shared by churches of East and West, are used creatively to promote both modern ecumenical efforts and the deepening of patristic insight in what Christianity is about. A large-scale discussion, promoted by a wide variety of experts from different churches is helpful for understanding Christian history and the possibilities that history holds open for our time and the future." - Teuvo Laitila, Eastern University of Finland From the Back Cover  This book brings the Cappadocian Fathers to life and explores their contributions to subsequent Christian thought. Melding together a thematic and individualized approach, the book examines Cappadocian thought in relation to Greek philosophy and the musings of other Christian thinkers of the time. The volume is unique in that it details the Cappadocian legacy upon the three central divisions of Christianity, rather than focusing on one confession. Providing a multifaceted assessment of the spirituality and beliefs of the fourth-century Church, contributors interweave historical studies into their philosophical and theological discussi