Orthodoxy's emphasis lies on the spiritual life, mysticism, and patience, rather than a radical transformation of the world.
Orthodoxy's emphasis on theological patience shapes the polities of Orthodox Christian regions in both positive and negative ways.
Deep dives
Orthodoxy's Approach to Millenarianism
Orthodoxy has a different perspective on millenarianism compared to Protestantism. While it acknowledges the imminent return of Christ, it does not prioritize this belief as the center of the spiritual life. Orthodoxy's emphasis lies on the spiritual life, mysticism, and patience, rather than a radical transformation of the world. Orthodoxy has a rich history grounded in the Greco-Roman world and has cultivated a spiritual life focused on moral obligations, charity, and ascetical virtues. However, at its worst, Orthodoxy can become an institution that accommodates itself to historical forces that contradict its teachings and principles.
Theological Patience and Its Impact on Polities
Orthodoxy's emphasis on theological patience has both positive and negative consequences for the polities of Orthodox Christian nations and regions. When practiced at its best, Orthodoxy cultivates a true spiritual life that encourages moral obligations, charity, and self-denial. However, at its worst, Orthodoxy can become a passive participant in historical forces antithetical to the Gospel. This is evident in cases where Orthodoxy becomes an accomplice to authoritarian and oppressive governments, compromising its own principles and becoming a mere propaganda wing. The theological patience of Orthodoxy therefore shapes the polities of Orthodox Christian regions in both positive and negative ways.
Heidegger's Influence on Christian Orthodoxy
Studying Heidegger has deepened David Bentley Hart's understanding of Christian Orthodoxy in relation to the concept of being and the desacralization of the world. Heidegger's analysis of Western nihilism and the dominance of the will to power has made Hart appreciate the emphasis of Orthodoxy on the cosmic mystery of Christ and the revelation of God in all things. The idea of deification and the renewal of the whole creation in Orthodoxy resonates with Heidegger's exploration of the sacred mystery of being and the need to transcend the instrumental mindset. This connection highlights the compatibility between Heidegger's philosophy and the core teachings of Orthodoxy.
Differences Between Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism
Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism differ in metaphysical aspects such as the notion of inherited guilt, the theology of predestination, and the understanding of grace. Orthodoxy rejects the idea of inherited guilt and does not have a theology of predestination like Catholicism. Furthermore, Orthodoxy sees grace as more continuous with nature, whereas in Catholicism, there is a sharper opposition between grace and nature. In Orthodoxy, grace is seen as a way in which God deals with creatures and is intimately connected to the natural orientation of union with God. These theological differences reflect distinctive interpretive frameworks within the Christian tradition.
David Bentley Hart is an American writer, philosopher, religious scholar, critic, and theologian who has authored over 1,000 essays and 19 books, including a very well-known translation of the New Testament and several volumes of fiction.
In this conversation, Tyler and David discuss ways in which Orthodox Christianity is not so millenarian, how theological patience shapes the polities of Orthodox Christian nations, how Heidegger deepened his understanding of Christian Orthodoxy, who played left field for the Baltimore Orioles in 1970, the simplest way to explain how Orthodoxy diverges from Catholicism, the future of the American Orthodox Church, what he thinks of the Book of Mormon, whether theological arguments are ultimately based on reason or faith, what he makes of reincarnation and near-death experiences, gnosticism in movies and TV, why he dislikes Sarah Ruden’s translation of the New Testament, the most difficult word to translate, a tally of the 15+ languages he knows, what he’ll work on next, and more.