Introduction. Global Eastern Orthodoxy: Religion, Politics and Human Rights

Abstract

This introductory chapter explains the state of the art, the objective, and theoretical perspectives of the current volume. It dwells into the discourses of religious, political, and human rights issues, which are presented in this book and analyzed as a continuum from a shared Eastern Orthodox vision to different national Orthodox Churches’ positions. By reflecting on recent arguments from sociology, political science, international relations theory, and political theology, we suggest the need to overcome the challenges of understanding Global Eastern Orthodoxy solely through one disciplinary perspective. On the contrary, we invite the readers to explore the variety of research approaches and investigate Eastern Orthodoxy as a transnational and global religion within challenging conditions of modernization and globalization. In addition, the introductory chapter explains the structure of the volume and thematic focuses of individual chapters. It navigates the theoretical linkages and clarifies the specificity of socio-political, economic, and cultural changes that force Eastern Orthodox tradition to elaborate its institutional positions towards political, human rights issues, and international Orthodox political and identity-building processes.