An overview of father John Romanides' therapeutic theology

Abstract

The rather-contemporary Orthodox sphere of theologians consider the late Fr. John Romanides a controversial personality with controversial writings. Irrespective of a number of critiques that sprung against his teachings, it is nevertheless obvious (at least to the writer of this article) that he faithfully portrayed the teachings of the Church Fathers. This paper is an attempt to present a synopsis of his theology on the persons therapy of the soul. In sum, one must willingly work on their own deification and fervently seek reaching it: purification is the first step, followed by illumination, ultimately reaching theoria. The whole theology of the Church Fathers revolves around this therapy/healing. A number of critiques appeared later on regarding Romanides theology; this paper summarizes two of the prominent ones – that of Vladimir Moss and of Nicholas Loudovikov.