Summary

Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, Fourth Edition traces Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity from their roots in early Christian churches to the way these religions are observed today. Recounted here is the historical passage of the Catholic and Orthodox faiths, from the original teachings of Jesus Christ to the early separation of the Eastern and Western Churches to recent attempts at reconciliation. The central doctrines of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity are explored as background to such current issues as the child abuse scandals of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and the many tensions over abortion and gay marriage that exist in American society. The philosophy of Pope Francis, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, and the role of lay communities are also highlighted.

Engaging sidebars, recommendations for further reading, a list of websites for additional information, and full-color photographs add to the well-written text. A glossary and bibliography make research easy and enjoyable for students.

Coverage includes:

• The origins, history, beliefs, and practices of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity
• Doctrinal disagreements between the Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches and the dialogue between the two churches
• Catholic and Orthodox communities in the United States
• Challenges facing Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, including ecumenism and interreligious dialogue; lay movements; poverty and social activism; issues surrounding the churches' views on homosexuality and abortion; the declining number of priests; and abuse scandals
• Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

Specifications

eBook

About the Author(s)

Khaled Anatolios is professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. He is currently serving on the board of directors of the Pappas Patristics Institute at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Recent publications include The Holy Trinity in the Life of the Church, Retrieving Nicaea: The Development and Meaning of Trinitarian Doctrine, and Athanasius: Early Church Fathers. 

Stephen F. Brown is professor of theology at Boston College and director of the Institute of Medieval Philosophy and Theology. He has taught at SUNY (Buffalo), Yale University, the Sorbonne, Siena College, St. Bonaventure University, and the University of the South. He has published several volumes on medieval philosophy and theology, including Meeting of the Minds: The Relations between Medieval and Classical Modern European Philosophy, The A to Z of Medieval Philosophy and Theology (with Juan Carlos Flores), and Aquinas: On Faith and Reason.

Series editor Joanne O'Brien has an M.A. degree in theology and has written a range of education and general reference books on religion and contemporary culture. She is coauthor, with Martin Palmer and Elizabeth Breuilly, of Religions of the World and Festivals of the World, published by Infobase, and, with Martin Palmer, of Atlas of Religion. She is a consultant to WWF, the World Bank, the World Council of Churches, UNESCO, and UNDP.

Series editor and religious historian Martin Palmer is the founder of International Consultancy on Religion, Education, and Culture (ICOREC), in 1983, and the secretary-general of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC). He is the author of many books on world religions as well as a translator of ancient Chinese texts.