Description
Book SynopsisA fertile study of convergences in early monastic and ascetic thought in Ireland and Byzantine Greece, revealing theological insights into ecclesiology and the nature of the Trinity.
Trade Review'Fr Chrysostomos offers here a rich and penetrating analysis of the ways in which the mysteries of the Trinity and Incarnation intersect with ecclesial life, in its various dimensions, as reflected in writers of both the Byzantine and Celtic traditions. Calling into question the claim that 'person transcends nature', and the authoritarian approach to ecclesiology this has fostered, the author opens up a much more expansive and balanced understanding of the 'monarchy' within the Trinity, and, correspondingly, the relation between person, nature, and communion, with all the implications this has for ecclesial structure and functioning and the spiritual life. This is a work of great learning and profound reflection, which will merit deep study and careful attention.' - John Behr, Dean and Professor of Patristics, St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York 'In this rich and incisive monograph, Fr. Chrysostom revisits the issues of trinitarian personhood and ecclesiology rendered justly famous by John Zizioulas and his Western followers in recent decades. Subjecting Zizioulas's position to a courteous but multi-faceted critique, Koutloumousianos not only returns us to the authentic voice of the patristic sources concerned, but draws new attention to consonances with the ascetic trinitarian theology of the early Irish monastic tradition. Twentieth-century Orthodox discourses of 'East' and 'West' will be inexorably challenged by this important and timely contribution.' - Sarah Coakley, Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge 'In this sensitive and erudite study of the mystery of the Trinity, disagreements concerning which have been the occasion of divisions which have gravely wounded the unity of Christendom, Father Chrysostom finds a remarkable kinship between the theology of the Greeks and that of the early Irish. His richly nuanced exposition is particularly impressive in the depth of its treatment of the Irish sources, which are, for the most part, little known. This book sheds light from the East upon the West, and vice versa; it has much to offer to all who are concerned with the inwardness of Christianity.' - John Carey, Professor of Early and Medieval Irish, University College Cork 'Overall, Chrysostom Koutloumousianos' One and the Three: The Nature, person and Triadic Monarchy in the Greek and Irish Patristic Tradition is an outstanding volume, well researched, and with very strong arguments. ....it is a great addition to contemporary debates in ecclesiology and triadology.' - Lasha Tchantouridze, The Canadian Journal of Orthodox Christianity, Vol. XI No. 1, Winter 2016 'Koutloumousianos has provided a significant challenge to personalist doctrines of the Trinity and the church. He argues from numerous different angles for its shortcomings, backing up his claims with citations from a breadth of Greek and Irish patristic theologians.... [This book] will be suitable for advanced undergraduates and those with interests in contemporary debates in trinitarian theology, patristic theology and Orthodox theology.' - Cameron Coombe, Reviews in Religion and Theology, Volume 24, Issue 4, October 2017
Table of ContentsPreface by Prof. Andrew Louth Introduction PART I - APPROACHING THE TRINITARIAN MONAD Chapter One: THE QUEST FOR A PERSONALISTIC ONTOLOGY 1. Transcending the tragedy 2. The monarchy of the Father 3. Drawing implications for the Many Chapter Two: MONARCHY AND TRINITY IN THE GREEK AND IRISH FATHERS 1. The 'middle point' 2. The unfathomable mode of existence 3. The semantic value of 'monarchy' in trinitarian theology 3.1 Aition and the source of unity 3.2. Subordination 3.3. Godhead, the Father's prerogative? 3.4. Perichoresis and essential unity Chapter Three: PERSON AND GRACE 1. Nature as against Person 2. Deification and Personhood PART II - SUBJECTIVITY AND CATHOLICITY: THE MONASTIC PARADIGM Chapter One: THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY 1. Way Home 2. The Trinitarian aspect 3. The Body Image 4. The monastic model 5. Different notes - the One and the Many 6. Reaching the unity of the monad 6.1 From obedience to discretion 6.2 Spiritual paternity 6.3 Introversion and Nepsis 6.4 Love and Sympathy 6.5 Unpossessiveness 6.6 Liturgy versus Asceticism? 6.7 Triadic and Monadic in Virtue 7. The Locus of Unity - A person? Chapter Two: INSTITUTION AND CHARISMA 1. Identification and distinction 2. Essential realities and institutionalism 3. Charisma in monasticism 4. Holiness and sacramental efficacy 5. The vicarious Christi and the people 6. Meanings of order 7. Image and mimesis 8. Amazing Grace 9. Hierarchy and divine energy 10. Ideals and accidents Conclusive remarks LAST PROLOGUE
