Introduction to OrthodoxyFall 2016: A Basic Catechesis in Orthodox Christianity

Part 3: Framing an Orthodox Worldview

Animist Religion

Animist Sub-Category: New Age & Syncretism

Asian practices

Hellenistic Philosophy

Pre-modern Christian

Enlightenment

Enlightenment Sub-Category: Atheistic Materialism

Post Christian, Nihilist, Hedonist

Renaissance & Reformation

“The Koranic View of Scripture…”

Orthodox Christian Worldview: God is with Us!

The Cultural Onion: a tool for understanding Worldview

In the Beginning….

Who is God in the Genesis story?

What is revealed about God’s character and nature?

Who is God in the Genesis story?

1. God as Creator (creation ex nihilo)2. Generosity in creating, goodness (“It is good”and proceeds from God’s

goodness)3. God as Maker of Man in His Image (to create, to name, to love)4. God as Maker of Man & Woman (read Hopko, Christian Faith & SSA, p.

11-12) Man was created “to love and be loved”

Bonus thought: Man’s sinning—pride and delusion for “more”

When do we read John 1 liturgically?

In the Beginning was the Word...

1. God the is fundamental Reality of the Universe2. The Word is Eternal, with God, and God

--Yet the Eternal Word is Made Flesh (sarx)3. The Word is Creator4. He Himself is the Light5. He enables people to become sons of God

Orthodoxy is Paradoxy

Asymptote: Forever Drawing Closer

Forever Drawing Closer

3 Great Truths

All is Good

All is Fallen

All can be Redeemed

Next week:

Part 4:

-Sin, the Passions, & Asceticism

-The Communion of the Saints