Theologically Reading Metropolitan of Pergamon John Zizioulas: Orthodox, Ecumenical and Modern

The book delves into the contributions of one of the most significant contemporary thinkers within Eastern Orthodoxy. By highlighting his Greek and Ecumenical heritage, along with his historical and social context, the work critically examines the interpretative keys that shape his theological vision. It fosters a constructive dialogue between Eastern Orthodoxy and the challenges and inquiries presented by (post)modernity.At its core, the book revolves around three fundamental points: 1) eschatology as the primary hermeneutical tool for engaging with Zizioulas's work; 2) a contextual analysis of his doctrinal orthodoxy set against his historical, socio-political, cultural, and intellectual backdrop; and 3) the necessity of addressing (post)modernity as a challenge that emerges in dialogue with his contributions.Through the lens of a theology of personhood, eschatology, relational ontology, and Eucharistic experience, the book offers a thought-provoking account of (post)modernity that invites re-examination of religious and theological perspectives. By elucidating Zizioulas's foundational theological premises, the work presents a novel theological approach to (post)modern challenges, such as the climate crisis, pluralism, and gender issues, drawing on the insights of one of Eastern Orthodoxy's most esteemed intellectuals in the contemporary landscape.

About the Author :
Dr Nikolaos Asproulis studied theology at the Theological School of the University of Athens, Greece. In 2007 he completed his postgraduate studies at the Hellenic Open University, Greece, while in 2016 he received his doctorate from the Faculty of Humanities of the same University. Since 2017, he has been the deputy director of the Volos Academy for Theological Studies, Greece, and lecturer at the Post Graduate Program 'Orthodox Christian theology and religious pluralism' of the Hellenic Open University. From 2017-2023 he represented the Church of Greece at the Conference of European Churches in working groups on the climate crisis. He is a member of the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) and director of the special thematic group entitled 'Modern Greek Orthodoxy' of the Association. His research interests revolve around hermeneutics, theological methodology, the history of Orthodox theology, political theology, ecotheology, theological education, and analytical theology. He has published three monographs and numerous studies and articles in Greek and foreign magazines as well as in collective volumes, while he has edited many academic publications.