Innovation in the Orthodox Christian Tradition?: The Question of Change in Greek Orthodox Thought and Practice [Hardcover]

The relationship between tradition and innovation in Orthodox Christianity has often been problematic, filled with tensions and contradictions starting from the Byzantine era and running through the 19th and 20th centuries. For a long period of time scholars have typically assumed Greek Orthodoxy to be a static religious tradition with little room for renewal or change. Although this public perception continues, the immutability of the Greek Orthodox tradition has been questioned by several scholars over the past few years. This book continues this line of reasoning, but brings it into the centre of contemporary discussion. Presenting case studies from different periods of history up to the present day, the authors trace different aspects in the development of innovation and renewal in Orthodox Christianity in the Greek-speaking world and among the Diaspora.For a long time scholars have typically assumed Greek Orthodoxy to be a static religious tradition. Although this public perception continues, the immutability of the Greek Orthodox tradition has been questioned by scholars over the past few years. This book continues this line of reasoning, but brings it into the centre of contemporary discussion. Presenting case studies from different periods of history up to the present day, the authors trace different aspects in the development of innovation in Orthodox Christianity in the Greek-speaking world and among the Diaspora.Trine Stauning Willert is Assistant Professor in Modern Greek studies at the University of Copenhagen. Her research has focused on national identity, religion and education in contemporary Greece and the cultural relationship between Greece and Europe in a historical and contemporary perspective. Lina Molokotos-Liederman is an independent scholar and researcher specializing in international issues of religion and education, migration, social welfare and humanitarian aid. Educated in Greece, France and the United States, she received her MS in Massl3G