The Eastern Churches: Theology and History

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Eastern Christians and their churches are an indispensable part of global Christianity, shedding light on its origins, basic theological principles, achievements, and historical failures, dilemmas, and challenges. The course provides an overview of the diversity of Christian churches in the East, which belong to the different cultural traditions of Eastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Students will be introduced to the theological views and liturgical life of Eastern-rite Christians, i.e., Orthodox, Oriental, and Eastern Catholic, and their fascinating histories. We will explore the Byzantine-rite Churches in more detail and discuss the challenges their theology and history pose for the contemporary world and international relations. Special attention will be given to Slavic Christianity, especially Russian and Ukrainian religious history. Reflections on the diversity of Eastern Christian traditions lead to insights into theological, moral, and cultural issues of particular relevance today, such as ecumenism, war and nonviolence, Christian churches and totalitarianism, and the role of liturgy and ritual in modern culture.