„Ad Patrem” – the certainty of authenticity and depth of theological thought Cover Image

„Ad Patrem” – certitudinea autenticităţii şi profunzimii gândirii teologice
„Ad Patrem” – the certainty of authenticity and depth of theological thought

Author(s): Ignatie (Ilie) Bishop of Husi Diocese Trif
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Eastern Orthodoxy
Published by: Facultatea de Teologie Ortodoxă Alba Iulia
Keywords: Holy Fathers; Patristic tradition; faith; deification

Summary/Abstract: The express intention of this article is to plead for recovering the beauty of the Holy Fathers’ thought. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a peripheralization thereof in our spiritual life. This reality is becoming even more pregnant if we consider the fact that the flavour of Patristic thought is no longer perceived in the structure of our lives as Christians. A return to the Holy Fathers, or a rediscovery of the referentiality of the Patristic tradition in any theological endeavour, can provide us a clear, authentic, fresh, and more profound image of the act of faith, as deification of man. An appeal to the sources is tantamount to finding authenticity and freshness, as well as clarity. The lack of pathos for assimilating the Patristic spirit, as present in the works of the Holy Fathers, results in a “scholasticization” of revealed truth. The Holy Fathers embody the ideal of full spiritualization and communion with the life of the Holy Trinity. Their doctrine is no cold and anemic musing, but the faithful reflection of their life in the Holy Spirit. As their deeds and life, so was their thinking, their cogitation. Their theological interpretation arises from the theology of their life, i.e. theology understood as commitment to and penetration into the way of life of the Holy Trinity.

  • Issue Year: XX/2015
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 9-24
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Romanian