A new book on the theology of Alexander Schmemann

Delayed a bit due to the hurricane. Worth adding to your wish list though.

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(Amazon) - In Church, World and Kingdom: The Eucharistic Foundation of Alexander Schmemann's Pastoral Theology, author William C. Mills analyzes the pastoral and Eucharistic theology of the world-renowned Eastern Orthodox priest, pastor, professor, seminary dean, theologian, and author, Alexander Schmemann. Schmemann's theological legacy has influenced all levels of Church life. His books, articles, essays, and sermons are known world-wide and translated into numerous languages and have been referenced by theologians in the East and the West. William C. Mills expertly reminds us that for Alexander Schmemann, the scriptures, doctrine, faith, teachings, practices, and prayers of the Church are expressed and fully realized in the Eucharistic gathering. Alexander Schmemann's theology was influential from the Second Vatican Council onward, not only on his own Orthodox tradition, but also on Roman Catholic and Protestant liturgical theology. This new research has shed light on the importance of the liturgical and Eucharistic context for ministry, especially highlighting the spiritual, practical, and theological preparation of ordained clergy and the general ministry of the entire body of Christ. This book is primarily devoted to Schmemann's pastoral theology, and will be a welcome addition to the academic and popular understanding of ordained and lay ministry within Christendom, especially within the Orthodox and Roman Catholic sacramental tradition.

Review

Alexander Schmemann continues to be a major voice in liturgical theology. He guided us back to liturgy as the first or primary source of theology and his work on Baptism and the Eucharist are required reading in liturgy courses. William Mills has another first; in this discerning study--of Schmemann as an important voice in pastoral theology, utilizing liturgy and the sacraments and the essential sources for pastoral care. Mills systematically yet very beautifully reveals another side of this great theologian of our time that of a wise and caring pastor. --Michael Plekon, Ph.D

About the Author

Rev. William C. Mills is an Orthodox priest of Charlotte, North Carolina and is the Rector of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church. He holds a PhD in Pastoral Theology from Union Institute and University. He has taught theology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University, and Holy Apostles Roman Catholic College and Seminary.