The Life Of The World By Fr. Alexander Schmemann - 969 Words

For the Life of the World authored by Fr. Alexander Schmemann an Orthodox priest was originally intended as a â€Å"study guide† in the 1970’s for students preparing themselves for Missionary work, giving them a â€Å"world view†, helping to speak about Christian view points along with an approach to how they coalesce through the eyes of the Orthodox Church. A key theme Fr. Schmemann discussed is Secularism, which he believes developed from our progressive alienation of the Christian culture. Additionally, he presents his interpretation of the transforming biblical themes of creation, fall, and redemption through a sacramental understanding. Fr. Schmemann’s experiences within the Orthodox Church liturgy reveal unity in the meanings of these three themes. It is through these understandings he believes can effectively offset the disastrous effects of secularism while revitalizing the sacramental understanding of the world. The author divided the book into seven chapters, each building upon one another; The Life of the world, The Eucharist, The Time of Mission, Of Water and the Spirit, The Mystery of Love, Trampling Down death by death, and Ye Are Witnesses of These Things. Moreover, two Appendices follow the chapters: Worship in a Secular Age and Sacraments and Symbol. In particular, Fr. Schmemann opens by converging on the ostensibly minor theme of nourishment, even quoting famed philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach’s phrase. â€Å"Man is what he eats.† Anti-religious groups attempt to portray