For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy

by Alexander Schmemann

Book Overview

In For the Life of the World Alexander Schmemann suggests an approach to the world and life within it, which stems from the liturgical experience of the Orthodox Church. He understands issues such as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913836087
• ISBN13: 9780913836088
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

The Rule of Prayer is the Rule of Faith

Fr. Schmemann presents the meaning and connection of world and sacramental mystery in this beautifully articulated book that serves as one of the foundational texts for the English-speaking student of theology who has a concern for the relevance of the Church's rule of prayer as expressed in Her sacramental rythems. He argues convincingly that it is through the gift of God's Church that we come to participate fully in the world, discovering what it means to be really human and created in the image and according to the likeness of God in Christ. The other reviewers say it better than I can say it, so I'll close with this quote from the book."Man was to be the priest of a eucharist, offering the world to God, and in this offering he was to receive the goft of life. But in this fallen world...his love is deviated from its true direction. He still loves. He is still hungry. He knows that he is dependant upon that which is beyond him, but his love and dependance refer only to the world in itself. He does not know that breathing can be communion with God."Living Icons is also a book worth reading if you are intersted in learning more about Fr. Alexander's life and writings. Enjoy!

Theology and Poetry Come Together

A subtitle of 'Sacraments and Orthodoxy' likely draws a disinterested note in the minds of many, yet the true magic of Fr. Schmemann's writing is its ability to broach such intricate and essential subjects with all the magnetism of a brilliant poet. His words speak almost like a song, and draw the reader into a heartfelt and meaningful discussion of the very centre of Orthodox Christian life.One of Fr. Schmemann's great legacies to Orthodoxy in America --and indeed, the world-- was the energy he put into revitalizing the sacramental spirit of its people. 'For the Life of the World' is a book which seeks just that goal: to remind Christians of their Eucharistic centre, and open their eyes to a way of living life 'sacramentally.' It is a book that discusses the heart of Orthodox theology, yet it is a simple book. It is a book that discusses the greatest mysteries of creation, yet in the most personal of manners.There are few books which, in so few pages, can make so great an impact on their readers. So strong was its spiritual impact when first published as a paper, that this book was hand-translated into common Russian and smuggled into that country to serve as a help for the persecuted faithful.'For the Life of the World' is one book that, truly, no heartfelt Christian person should be without.

Best Book on Sacramental Theology I've ever read!

Father Alexander Schmemann, of blessed memory, explains in a stunningly articulate and beautiful work the Orthodox approach to sacramentality. Father Alexander's book is less concerned with issues of "validity" and "form", and much more concerned with intrinsic meaning and spirituality. For Father Alexander, the Christian life is quintessentially Eucharistic in nature, and it is against this background that the remainder of life is imbued with sacredness and meaning. This is a brief work, but an excellent read both for Orthodox Christians as well as others who wish to understand the true meaning of Christian sacramental life.