Orthodoxy and Culture
Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Dr. George Demacopoulos
In this provocative series, two Orthodox scholars ask hard questions about matters of faith and modern culture. They challenge us to listen sincerely to the questions of a new generation and to give meaningful answers from our Orthodox tradition.
Aristotle Papanikolaou, PhD
Aristotle Papanikolaou is the Archbishop Demetrios Chair of Orthodox Theology and Culture at Fordham University, and the Co-Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center. He is also Senior Fellow at the Emory University Center for the Study of Law and Religion. In 2012, he received the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in the Humanities. He is the author of The Mystical as Political: Democracy and Non-Radical Orthodoxy. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and he enjoys Russian literature, Byzantine and Greek music, and is a bit of a foodie.
George Demacopoulos, PhD
George E. Demacopoulos is the Fr. John Meyendorff and Patterson Family Chair of Orthodox Christian Studies at Fordham University, and the Co-Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center. A native of Tennessee, Dr. Demacopoulos came to Fordham in 2002 after earning his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a specialist in the history of Christianity, and has served on the executive board for the Center for Medieval Studies and was, for many years, a regular teacher in the Rose Hill Honors Program. His most recent book is Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome.
One
Why Religion? Why be Orthodox?
Part A
Part B
The young generation of “millennials” increasingly identify as “nones” with respect to religious affiliation. In “Part A” Dr. Aristotle, “Telly,” asks why this is happening and then gives an unexpected answer. In “Part B” he examines the question, “Why be Orthodox?” The answer is basic: it is a way to become more loving and more like God.
Two
Was Byzantine Christianity the Normative Orthodox Experience?
Part A
Part B
Was there a “golden era” of Orthodoxy? Was it Byzantium? What is our responsibility as Orthodox Christians in a modern world? George examines these questions and references to the Church fathers who actually lived in these times.
Three
The Origins of Asceticism and Monasticism
Part A
Part B
While modern sensitivities might recoil at the idea of ascetism, for early Christian it was a given. Here George proposes there were degrees of asceticism and provides the historical context that gave rise to monasticism.
Four
What's the Point of Spiritual Practices Like Fasting and Confession?
Part A
Part B
Telly returns to offer a fresh look at the Orthodox practice of confession and of fasting, and offers a profound insight as to why they are essential for everyone.
Five
Can there be Christian Secularism?
Part A
Part B
Most Christians would identify “secular” values as enemies of the Christian Faith. Telly shows instead that “secularism” defines a shift that has taken place in culture, one Christians must learn to live within, not by making our faith a “private” matter, but by finding a way to keep a public voice.
Six
Tradition without Fundamentalism
Part A
George dives into the thorny topic of “fundamentalism” as a definable set of characteristics. The way to counter this within Orthodoxy is to educate ourselves about the truth of our tradition.
Seven
War and Violence in Early Byzantine Christian Reflection
Part A
We live in a fallen world where violence and war happen. How do the people of God conduct themselves in the midst of this conflict? Can Christians be soldiers? George offers the reflections of several Church fathers on these important questions.
Eight
War, Violence, and Virtue
Part A
Part B
How do Christians heal from the moral injury of violence as occurs in war? Is removal from Communion the best answer? Or is the community of the Church itself an essential part of the answer, especially in offereing forgiveness as a return to God?