The Western Civilization category examines the history, ideas, institutions, and cultural developments that have shaped the modern Western world through the lens of Orthodox Christianity. Articles explore the influence of the Roman Empire, the Great Schism, the Protestant Reformation, the Enlightenment, nationalism, capitalism, secularism, democracy, individualism, and other movements that have transformed Western society and its understanding of faith, morality, and human nature. Drawing on Holy Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the historical tradition of the Orthodox Church, this collection offers thoughtful analysis of Western philosophy, politics, economics, culture, and religion while comparing them with the historic Christian worldview preserved in Orthodoxy. Readers will find in-depth discussions of the spiritual foundations of civilization, the challenges facing the modern West, and the enduring relevance of Orthodox Christianity in responding to contemporary cultural and societal issues.
No matter how far the West drifts from Christianity, self-sacrificing heroes reminiscent of Christ continue to recur in our popular culture. Whether we recognize it explicitly or not, all of us are in need of a Savior.
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Many are tempted to blame economic and social problems for our epidemic of modern despair. They contribute, but the real causes are spiritual. As is the solution.
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Atheists contend that morality arises without God, and that the moral tradition of Christianity is neither unique in history, nor even beneficial.
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Wealth inequality in the US is even worse than in pre-Christian Rome. The billionaires appear generous by some measures, but a huge percentage of their giving is channeled into sham funds that actually increase their own wealth. How can we encourage the rich to do better?
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Many Jewish leaders, both religious and secular, have argued that Jews need enemies–that without antisemitism, Rabbinic Judaism cannot survive.
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Despite efforts to “link” the two faiths via the phrase “Judeo-Christian”, Orthodox Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism are incompatible religiously, morally, and culturally. As is Orthodoxy with “Christian Zionism”.
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If you would live as a Christian, die as a Christian, and gain eternal life as a Christian, then your Christian conscience must guide you in all things. Even in how you wage war.
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How does one build a healthy society with no basis but fictitious Enlightenment constructs? Even worse, how does getting back to the precepts that already failed make anything better?
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The UOC is not giving up the fight. The Church has hired an American Jewish lawyer to take the fight to the international courts. God bless this lawyer, and God bless the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in her battle with the lawlessness of this world.
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How should Orthodox and other concerned American Christians react to the law 8371 banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? Archbishop Peter of Chicago has asked us to step up and demand accountability from our elected readers.
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