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The Orthodox Dilemma, by George Alexander
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The Orthodox Dilemma consists of personal reflections on global Pan-Orthodox Christian Unity. The work focuses on the need for establishing sacramental communion between the Eastern, Oriental and other families of Orthodox Churches. The author calls to create a common conciliar platform for Orthodox Churches and to establish dialogues between Eastern, Oriental, Old Believes, Old Calendar, Non-canonical, Unrecognized and New Generation Orthodox Churches.The major aim of the work is to provide different and unique aspects of Pan-Orthodox Christian Unity.The book also sheds light on problems, challenges and scope of inter-orthodox dialogue. This may be the first book of its kind to call for the creation of a global platform for all Orthodox Christians.The book tries to provide unique aspects of Orthodox Christianity.The work is a combination of personal thoughts of the author, history, contemporary Orthodoxy, dialogue and Pan-Orthodox Christian approach.
- Sales Rank: #2531000 in Books
- Published on: 2016-04-16
- Released on: 2016-04-16
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x .54" w x 6.00" l, .67 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 216 pages
Review
"The Orthodox Dilemma �is a passionate & heartfelt plea for Orthodox Churches everywhere, especially at the local level, to find a personal way - demonstrating basic Christian principles - to get along." - Joel Dennstedt - Readers Favourite�Important to consider with any informative evaluation of The Orthodox Dilemma by layman George Alexander is the necessarily circumscribed focus of his attention - the historical delineations, early schisms, and later separations of Orthodox Christianity into various Churches, along with a specific concern for a conciliar unification of all the separate Orthodox Churches - as well as his own confession to having a highly restricted and non-definitive personal objective in writing this exhaustive treatise: "This book does not have any guidelines for Orthodox unity as such, but contains random thoughts, wild dreams, reflections and life experiences [of someone] who deeply desires to see the Church of Christ united in conciliarity," defined as "the adherence of various Christian communities to the authority of ecumenical councils and to synodal church government."Therefore, The Orthodox Dilemma by George Alexander is a passionate and heartfelt plea for Orthodox Churches everywhere, but especially at the local level, to find a personal way - demonstrating basic Christian principles - to get along, while at the same time adhering to fundamental Orthodox doctrines such as the very nature of the One Lord Jesus Christ, perfect God and perfect Man, and the history of the Church traced in unbroken continuity from Christ and his Apostles. Alexander believes that these fundamental Orthodox canons, if pursued with sincerity, can still be the foundation on which conciliar unity is achieved and founded upon a common universal platform. The author stresses conciliarity "because the nature and structure of administration and decision in Orthodox Churches is always based on councils."�The interested reader may find much of value in The Orthodox Dilemma, including several anecdotal experiences of both severe division and blessed unity within the Church. He may also feel, however unfairly, that George Alexander does not articulate much more of a practical agenda than his passionate demand for unification, heartfelt as that may be, though he is careful to enumerate in relentless detail the seemingly overwhelming odds against it, including a severe lack of Orthodox religious education among the membership in general. Still, if his purpose - as stated - is mostly to provoke the same desire and passion in others and to stimulate further ideas and plans for unifying actions, he may consider this book to be a particular success.Source:readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-orthodox-dilemma
Revelatory and timely, especially in a Period Riddled with Internecine Violence and Religious Tribalism - San Francisco Book ReviewThe Orthodox Dilemma offers a detailed panorama of Church History and is a boon for researchers and proponents of interfaith dialogue. It is revelatory and timely, especially in a period riddled with internecine violence and religious tribalism.Ironically, in his uncompromising, strident promulgation of Orthodox supremacy, Alexander may be an inadvertent contributor to the global divide he is determined to fight.George Alexander's thesis is as lucid as it gets: The Orthodox Churches are the true heirs to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ, but a centuries-old schism between Eastern and Western orthodoxy threatens its identity and survivability more than ever before.According to Alexander, there is disinterest and lassitude in resolving theological misunderstandings concerning Christology, in particular, the nature of Jesus. Political and ethnic differences have also fanned the flame of discord. Although some steps have been taken toward compromise and accommodation, the author presents a fractured Church rife with internal strife, citing tensions between the Antiochian and Jerusalem patriarchates over canonical rights regarding Jerusalem; conflicts between the Serbian and Macedonian churches; the separation of Old Calendar Greek churches from the Greek Orthodox Church; and Old Believers parting ways with the Russian Orthodox Church.He decries the use of term, 'heretical' against Eastern Orthodoxy, reminding accusers that Oriental believers are not monophysites as commonly held. Notably, he invokes the stature and wisdom of St Cyril, the ostensible father of both families of Orthodoxy, who comprehensively explained the mystery of Christ. Both bodies, Alexander opines, define the same truth through their own political and cultural prisms. Compellingly, he chronicles his ostracism by Eastern Orthodox prelates during a visit to the Middle East, and recounts similar anecdotes to cement his exigent call for dialogue. "For me," he writes, "the acceptance of the seven Ecumenical Councils [by Oriental Orthodoxy] and the subsequent removal of anathemas should be modelled upon step by step constructive dialogue..."Alexander laments the failure of the 1964 Addis Abba conference to address disunity, although he is marginally encouraged at efforts toward rapprochement between 1964 and 1984.Further, he cautions against meddling in orthodox affairs by the Roman See, arguing that its overtures to some oriental churches work against orthodox homogeneity. While Alexander does not denounce ecumenism, he views the Vatican as surreptitiously and subtly attempting to bring orthodoxy under its control. He emphatically states that "the pope cannot be a coordinator for orthodox unity," and warns against falling "prey to the pomp and glory of the Vatican," and the divide and conquer tactics it employs. Instead, he advocates prioritizing inter-orthodox dialogue at local, regional, national and international levels; the establishment of theological and secular institutes; and the use of mass media to promote pan-Orthodox issues. He also asks that the faithful be vigilant against the evangelizing efforts of Christian churches. It is a point that he advances throughout his work."I feel that we have not done justice to Jesus Christ and His Church because we still keep the body of Christ divided." (p.47)Alexander's "bloodless revolution" calls for conciliar unity and full sacramental communion. It is a broad based. Beyond canonical churches, he welcomes an all-inclusive platform that invites old believers, old calendar, non-canonical, new generation, recognized, and traditional orthodox churches to heal the wounds within the orthodox body. Robust pan-Orthodox institutions do not require full communion among churches, he argues.Source:sanfranciscobookreview.com/2016/02/the-orthodox-dilemma/
Review by the Lausanne- Orthodox Initiative (LOI)�As Orthodox Christians of the Eastern family (as distinct from the Oriental Orthodox Churches) prepare for their Holy and Great Synod in Crete this coming June a new book has been published which calls for even greater unity within the Orthodox community.In The Orthodox Dilemma: Personal Reflections on Global Christian Conciliar Unity, George Alexander, the founder and director of Orthodox Cognate PAGE, shares a passionate plea for a new conciliar approach to unity between all Orthodox Churches, both Oriental and Eastern. �In the early pages of this moving book the author shares some of his personal experiences of rejection when trying to enter and share in worship in Orthodox Churches which were not of his ethnicity or tradition. These experiences, he claims, are not exceptional and he quotes the experiences of others who have experiences similar rejections.Throughout the text he argues that there are no substantive theological differences between the different Orthodox Churches (a point which many would dispute) and that the historical, cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences which keep people apart could be overcome by the adoption of a conciliar approach to unity. In arguing this approach he uses the examples of other world communions of Churches such as the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran World Federation. �Despite drawing on these other conciliar models of Church, Alexander is not afraid to begin his book with the bold statement, "[The] Orthodox Church is not one of the "churches" because she is the ONLY true Church of Christ. This naturally is not pride but the TRUTH. Since the Lord instituted only one Church, how can we speak of many?".The book deals with many of the sad divisions within the wider Orthodox community and calls for reconciliation and greater efforts towards inter-communion. �Alexander touches on the Nestorian Dilemma, reminds us of the problems in the Eritrean Church and the divisions in India, Ukraine and Macedonia and gives credit to the many who have worked tirelessly to overcome division. In the end, however, he leaves us with little hope. His plea for unity is passionate but he fails to explain how the conciliar model adopted by many other churches (see the list on page 119) and the World Council of Churches itself can be applied to the one and only true Church of God, the diverse community of Orthodox Churches.Of relevance to the work of LOI, Alexander suggests (Pg. 56) that Inter-Orthodox ecumenism is relevant to the "heterodox" churches because a united voice from the Orthodox would help "heterodox Churches to guide and find their lost Orthodox past ... Each dialogue with heterodox should help them to gain insights into their Orthodox past, their original history, the true Traditions of Christ and His Apostles, the life of Church Fathers. At the same time, strategic working relationships in the field of charity and social outreach, Christian persecution and other common areas of concerns should be discussed."Source:loimission.net/the-orthodox-dilemma-of-unity/
A less than optimistic view on Christian UnityDr Glenville Ashby�Published in Online Edition of Kaieteurnews - Private Daily News Paper Published from Guyana (kaieteurnewsonline.com).�Early this year, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill met in Cuba, delivering a historic jointdeclaration that partly outlined the following:- Notwithstanding [our] shared Tradition of the first ten centuries, for nearly one thousand years, Catholics and Orthodox have been deprived of communion in the Eucharist. We have been divided by wounds caused by old and recent conflicts, by differences inherited from our ancestors, in the understanding and expression of our faith in God, one in three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are pained by the loss of unity, the outcome of human weakness and of sin, which has occurred despite the priestly prayer of Christ the Saviour.- Mindful of the permanence of many obstacles, it is our hope that our meeting may contribute to the re-establishment of this unity willed by God, for which Christ prayed. May our meeting inspire Christians throughout the world to pray to the Lord with renewed fervour for the full unity of all His disciples."Undoubtedly, the Great Schism in 1054 remains a thorny issue. And despite the climate of interfaith dialogue between the leaders of the Roman and Orthodox Church there is still a sense of an irreparable centuries-old damage caused by competing theological and political positions. While the meeting heightened expectations that "the one holy catholic and apostolic church" will one day signify a single body, many are doubtful. But beyond the Roman and Orthodox divide, there is an unnerving discord within the Orthodox Church itself.Not surprisingly, there is a mood of pessimism that seeps through the pages of George Alexander's "The Orthodox Dilemma." His thesis is as lucid as it gets: The Orthodox Churches are the true heirs to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ, but a centuries-old schism between Eastern and Western orthodoxy threatens its identity and survivability more than ever before. According to Alexander, there is disinterest and lassitude in resolving theological misunderstandings concerning Christology, in particular, the nature of Jesus. Political and ethnic differences have also fanned the flame of distrust. Although some steps have been taken toward compromise and accommodation, the author presents a fractured Orthodox Church rife with internal strife. He cites tensions between the Antiochian and Jerusalem patriarchates over canonical rights regarding Jerusalem; conflicts between the Serbian and Macedonian churches; the separation of Old Calendar Greek churches from the Greek Orthodox Church; and Old Believers parting ways with the Russian Orthodox Church.He decries the use of term, 'heretical' against Eastern Orthodoxy, reminding accusers that Oriental believers are not monophysites as commonly held. Relatedly, he invokes the stature and wisdom of St Cyril, the ostensible father of both families of Orthodoxy, who comprehensively explained the mystery of Christ. Both bodies, Alexander opines, define the same truth through their own political and cultural prisms. Compellingly, he chronicles his ostracism by Eastern Orthodox prelates during a visit to the Middle East, and recounts similar anecdotes to cement his exigent call for dialogue. "For me," he writes, "the acceptance of the seven Ecumenical Councils [by Oriental Orthodoxy] and the subsequent removal of anathemas should be modeled upon step by step constructive dialogue..."Read Full Review below:�kaieteurnewsonline.com/2016/04/17/book-reviewa-less-than-optimistic-view-on-christian-unity/
Eastern Union - Review by John G. Panagiotou - Touchstone MagazineIn George Alexander's "The Orthodox Dilemma" the reader is given a highly accessible overview of the history, current situation, and possible future of Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. Through personal vignettes and historical illustrations, the writer, himself Oriental Orthodox, seeks to explain and address how the Orthodox Churches have found themselves in their present circumstances.�To those with a relatively undeveloped knowledge of Eastern Christianity, many examples that Alexander cites regarding these churches in both Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox expression may seem esoteric and obscure, but his central reason for writing the book is plain--to issue a plea for greater Pan-Orthodox unity of witness on a global platform.�He begins by asserting that before any sort of coordinated form of Orthodox Christian witness can be made, the official estrangement and sacramental division between the Eastern Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Romanian, and Bulgarian) and the Oriental Orthodox (Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopian, Syriac, and Indian Malankara) needs to be addressed. He makes very compelling arguments that this "Eastern Schism" is the result of linguistic misunderstandings in Christology that have long since been theologically resolved, and he notes that it has been the long-�standing pastoral practice that Oriental Orthodox receive the sacraments in Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is high time, the author believes, that official communion should be acknowledged and proclaimed on the hierarchal level.�Nowhere is this point more pointedly made than where he observes that both Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox bishops and theologians have made great efforts to dialogue and ecumenically interact with the Western Church in both its Roman Catholic and Protestant expressions (in the World Council of Churches and elsewhere) while the Eastern Church has yet to get its own house in order, for which he provides multiple examples from the Council of Chalcedon (a.d. 451) on down to our own time. In the words of the famed Greek Orthodox theologian John S. Romanides, whom he quotes in the book, "The two traditions (Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox) survived the complexities of history, while always maintaining essentially the same Orthodox Faith."The official declaration of reunion of the Eastern Churches would aid much in dealing with the cultural estrangements, prejudices, and suspicions of its members for one another. The irony Alexander notes, however, is that ultimately this needs to be a "grass roots" movement from the bottom to the top, issuing from the laity and the clergy, and facilitated by the hierarchy through better communication and public acknowledgment that the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches are sisters.�Read More:�touchstonemag.com/archives/issue.php?id=196
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
That They May Be One
By Josie
A very concise, thought-provoking book published by someone with a heart for true Orthodox Christian unity. I appreciated the fair expansion of church history, quotes from various voices within the Orthodox world, and especially the helpful chart that highlights the similarities and differences between Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Christians.
I pray that all Christians-- especially we Orthodox-- will seek to follow Christ's prayer that His church would all be one (John 17:21).
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Towards a Global Orthodox Christian Conciliar Union
By Amazon Customer
Review by Dina Blokland - M.A. Theol., M.A. Semit.; Ph.D. Candidate at Hebrew University
George Alexander addresses in his newest book ‘The Orthodox Dilemma’ disunity amongst the Orthodox Churches. The book carries the subtitle ‘Personal Reflections Global Pan-Orthodox Christian Conciliar Unity’. The Author calls for dialogue between Eastern, Oriental, Old Believers, Old Calendar, Traditional, Un-recognized, New Generation Orthodox Churches. Since the foundation of the Orthodox Cognate PAGE Society (OCP) in 2007, Alexander is committed to promote Orthodox Christian Unity and Faith.
The book is written in a personal style, and is refreshing in a sense that it does not split theological hairs, but speaks to the heart of Orthodox Christians. Alexander does not deny the existence of theological differences between the Orthodox Churches, but goes beyond, and calls for dialogue and interaction in Orthodoxy.
The book contains seven chapters; in the Introduction an overview is given of various Orthodox Churches worldwide, and the concept of Pan-Orthodox Christian Conciliar Unity is explained. Alexander describes the common ground of Orthodox Christianity and present situation in Orthodox Unity, illustrated by personal experiences with Orthodox Churches.
The schism between the so-called Oriental and Eastern branches of Orthodoxy is brought to the attention of the reader and historically explained, interlaced with personal encounters in Orthodox Churches.
Alexander notices for instance a shortage of theological institutes as well as a limited cooperation between Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Theological institutions. Western Christianity seems eager to substitute and fill shortages, therewith however for passing the rich Orthodox-theological heritage. Orthodox Christianity is too valuable to be deprecated, and steps should be made to preserve and continue Orthodox tradition to a flourishing representative of modern Christianity.
Alexander’s book gives many examples and encounters of daily life, personal as well as virtual of the Orthodox Christian in relation with other members in Christian Orthodoxy.
The author calls upon the Orthodox Churches to be aware and proud of the rich Orthodox heritage and to be proactive towards western ecumenism. In Alexander’s view, Orthodoxy can act as a full partner in worldwide ecumenism only after formation of an Orthodox union. The Orthodox voice has to be heard worldwide, and should not be marginalized by ecumenical politics of divide et impera.
The author speaks out in a plea for greater acceptance and tolerance between the various Orthodox Churches as equal members of Orthodox Christianity, in concordance with I Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.”
As the theological differences in Orthodoxy are not as distinct compared to those of the Catholic and Protestant Churches, with which ecumenical relations are established, assembling the diverse branches of Orthodoxy should be even more feasible.
Union cannot and should not be imposed, but has to start with interaction, followed by growth and development from the “grass roots”. Initiatives by members from the various Sister Churches Orthodoxy can overcome borders, created by traditions and the various languages in Orthodoxy. Apart from laity, clergy should likewise be involved in the process.
The reunification of the Patriarchate in Moscow with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, as well as the making of connections with the Old Believers, is proof of the viability of a union between various branches of Orthodoxy.
Apart from personal encounters in real life, referrals to virtual meetings are included in the book, too. In our world the internet has become a place where people meet and make friends; a real, but virtual place which has immense possibilities for interactions between Orthodox Christians. Communication through the internet and other mass media can function as a platform, starting with the establishment of Pan-Orthodox Christian Conciliar Unity, in order to eventually reach a broader Christian unity worldwide.
The book is written from a very personal view, which, I think, is also the strength of the book. Alexander does not deny the existence of theological distinctions, does not call for the abandonment of specific forms of Orthodoxy, but clearly makes a very personal appeal on the reader.
When reading about the personal meetings, the conscious reader will ask himself or herself the question if his or her behavior is in accordance with God’s commandment. Jesus Christ has worded this in the Gospel of John 12:34 ff “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
When meeting others we aren’t always aware of the consequences of our words or deeds, the personal descriptions in this book however call our attention to become mindful of our behavior.
The quoted Bible texts therefore are to be seen as a command- each member of the Body of Christ has a different form and a different function, the body works optimal when they cooperate- with a loving attitude, as tells us the Gospel of John. On these terms, we can start, maybe slowly, but surely and steadily towards Orthodox Conciliar Unity.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
One flock and One Shepherd
By Jackie M
I find the author presents a compelling case for churches of Holy Orthodoxy to meet in friendship, love and humility to form a common platform to present to the world a United Holy Orthodox Church. A church founded by The Lord Jesus
Christ and his Apostles to be "One Flock and One Shepherd". He finds that the
various Orthodox churches are happy to persue an Ecumenical agenda before
healing the wounds within Holy Orthodoxy. This book should touch the heart
and soul of every Orthodox believers from every tradition..
See all 5 customer reviews...
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