Middlebury

RELI 0236

Byzantium & Orthodox Church

Byzantium & the Tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church ST, WT
This course is an introduction to Orthodox Christianity as reflected in the Greek, Slavic, and Near Eastern churches. We will examine the origins of the Orthodox tradition in the early Church, its centrality in the Byzantine empire, and the division between East and West. We will study key doctrinal and theological issues such as Christology and Incarnation, the Holy Trinity and the Theotokos (Mother of God), and the divine potential of human nature. We will also look at the liturgical experience that defines Orthodoxy as a living tradition, including the veneration of icons, the role of saints and monasticism, the significance of prayer and the sacraments. Readings include both church Fathers and mystics, as well as modern theologians and philosophers. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Subject:
Religion
Department:
Religion
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
EUR PHL
Equivalent Courses:

Sections in Fall 2011, School Abroad Spain (Madrid)

Fall 2011

RELI0236A-F11 Lecture (Hatjigeorgiou)
RELI0236Y-F11 Discussion (Hatjigeorgiou)
RELI0236Z-F11 Discussion (Hatjigeorgiou)