The Melody of Faith: Theology in an Orthodox Key
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
In the Orthodox Christian faith the elements of liturgy, scripture, hymnody, and iconography are the instruments or “voices” of a melody of faith. In this text, Vigen Guroian presents the fundamental beliefs of Orthodox Christianity through the metaphor of music. Often drawing on his personal religious experience, Guroian weaves together the themes of creation and new creation, beginning and end, sin and holiness, incarnation and deification, sacrifice and salvation.
Guroian explores the dogmatic foundation of this rich faith in six chapters, or “movements.” Through discussing Syrian, Armenian, Byzantine, and Russian iconography and gospel illuminations—illustrated by icons and Armenian miniatures—he further reveals how Orthodox Christianity expresses theology as much in art as through language. As a whole, Guroian’s Melody of Faith beautifully captures the spirit of Orthodox Christianity and takes readers to the theological heart of the Orthodox faith.
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Interested in similar titles? Be sure to check out the Eerdmans Orthodox Studies Collection (3 vols.).
- Draws on Vigen Guroian’s personal religious experience
- Weaves together major biblical themes such as creation and new creation
- Presents the fundamental beliefs of Orthodox Christianity through the metaphor of music
- The Litany of Creation
- The Luminous Moment of the Apocalypse
- Divine Therapy
- Mother of God, Mother of Holiness
- The Victorious Cross
- The Rhythm of the Resurrection
No one should presume that The Melody of Faith simply provides a better understanding of Orthodox theology, because it does much more. In this book Vigen Guroian helps the reader understand, see, and sing the Christian mysteries, for creation is a trinitarian love song that envelops us all.
—Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School, Duke University
In this lovely book Vigen Guroian sets forth the compelling beauty of Orthodox faith in its own right, on its own terms, as someone who loves the faith and lives it. At the end, the reader will have not just an idea of what Orthodoxy is but also a sense of what it is to participate in it. In the words of the Apostle John, come and see. Come and listen.
—Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, Facing East: A Pilgrim’s Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy
- Title: The Melody of Faith: Theology in an Orthodox Key
- Author: Vigen Guroian
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 176
- Christian Group: Orthodox
- Resource Type: Topical
- Topic: Eastern Orthodoxy
Vigen Guroian is professor of religious studies in Orthodox Christianity at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. His books include Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening, Life’s Living toward Dying, and Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child’s Moral Imagination.