There are two ways to live Christian spirituality: sacramental and ascetic, and both are discussed in this book.
First, there is the spirituality of communion. Through the liturgy we participate in the life of the community, share the Eucharist, and approach God as the Body of Christ, the Church. It is a spirituality of a communal nature, open to all, since we enter into this community through Baptism. The writings of Alexander Schmemann helped many to participate more deeply in the worship of the Church. He was originally from Russia and was influenced by the liturgical theology of Nicholas Afanasyev and others. He moved to Paris, where he taught and wrote extensively on the liturgy.
Then there is ascetic spirituality, which is individual and personal rather than collective. It invites us to a continuous training and struggle to overcome the passions and to draw closer to God in silence and prayer. This approach is therapeutic and leads to healing of the wounds of the soul. It is taught in the teachings of Hierotheos Vlachos, Archbishop of Nafpaktos in Greece, whose first important work was “ Orthodox Psychotherapy.
Although these approaches are distinct, they are all part of the tradition of Orthodox spirituality. This synthesis of methods is explored in the writings of Archbishop of Pergamum John Zizioulas, who looked back to the theology of Maximos the Confessor, who wrote in the seventh century, and to the preachings of the New Theologians Symeon and Gregory Palamas. Here, sacrament and asceticism are complementary, the theory and practice of Orthodox spirituality. Asceticism is both a preparation for the sacramental communal life and a personal practice of it.
Both spiritual traditions theology or deification, that is, drawing close to God in love through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
This book shows how spirituality is explained in the thought of contemporary and traditional theologians. It describes the practice of spirituality and places it within a doctrinal framework. This understanding comes from the Orthodox tradition, but the message is urgent and important for all of us. A clear definition helps us understand what we are doing when we approach God and how we can approach him better. This is a valuable contribution to the life of the Church.
The Rev. John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute of Orthodox Christianity, Cambridge.
Asceticism and Communion: Exploring Archbishop John Zizioulas and Orthodox Spirituality
Maxim Lyszak
DLT £24.99
(978-1-913657-88-8)
Church House Bookshop £22.99
