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Book SynopsisA justification of Zizioulas' controversial ontology on epistemological, patristic and theological lines.
Trade ReviewDr Chiapetti has produced a comprehensive, profound and fair discussion of Patristic theology, as presented in my work, particularly with regard to its ontological significance. A most successful attempt to bring to the surface the immense significance of Patristic theology for human existence. John D. Zizioulas, Metropolitan of Pergamon Despite being the most influential living Greek theologian, John Zizioulas' publications are largely occasional. Chiapetti knows the thickets of Zizioulas' ouvre like no one else. His defence of his theology - against all comers - tests its theological roots and explores its philosophical implications for notions of personhood and freedom. Impressive! Andrew Louth, Professor Emeritus of Patristic and Byzantine Studies, Durham University In addition to providing a lucid and insightful systematic presentation of Zizioulas' theological vision, Chiapetti breaks new ground by offering a constructive defense of 'the father's eternal freedom'. A must read for those interested in Zizioulas and in contemporary trinitarian theology. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology, Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture, and co-founding director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University Chiapetti studies here for the first time in depth Zizioulas' Trinitarian theology, the keystone of his synthesis. Led by a rigorous historical and theological method, this study sheds new light on Zizioulas' thought. Chiapetti's work is important for the ecumenical movement, but also for contemporary reflection on man and on the authentic basis of his freedom. Carmelo Giuseppe Conticello, Professor of Byzantine Theology at the Pontifical Oriental Institute and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Note on Citations Abbreviations Introduction: General Aspects of the Figure and Thought of Zizioulas Part 1: Zizioulas' Reading of the Fathers: The Notion of Person and the Doctrine of the Monarchy of the Father 1. The Emergence of the Attribution of Primary Ontological Content to the Notion of Person in Trinitarian Reflection 2. The Father, the Ontological Principle of the Triune and One Being of God Part 2: Zizioulas' Theological Development: The Father, Free Cause of Being as Personhood-Freedom 3. The Father: 'The Ultimate Reality of God's Personal Existence' 4. The Freedom that 'Springs from the Very Way the Hypostases are Constituted': From the Freedom of the Father, the Freedom of God Concluding Remarks: Zizioulas' Bold Exercise in Theological Reflection Bibliography Index
