Page 225 - Orthodoxy Zizioulas

C O N F E S S I O N A L I S M A N D T H E C R I S I S O F T H E O L O G Y
C onfessionalism and
the Crisis of Theolog y
Yet when the living spirit of the Fathers is no longer re-
ceived as a creative and existential reality, but is instead
reduced to a fixed inheritance, theology inevitably drifts to-
ward forms that no longer express communion but defini-
tion—thus giving rise to what has come to be known as con-
fessionalism.
With the fall of Constantinople in the 15th century, Ortho-
dox theology entered a prolonged period of stagnation; cre-
ative productivity gave way to a conservative attitude focused
on the past. This phenomenon of conservatism in Orthodox
theology can be traced back to earlier centuries, particularly
from the time of St. John of Damascus (675–749), whose sys-
tematic presentation of the teachings of the Fathers and the
Councils held undisputed authority as a source for many cen-
turies.However, theological creativity remained vibrant for an
extended period, as clearly evidenced in figures such as St.
Symeon the New Theologian and St. Gregory Palamas, to
name only the most prominent representatives of late Byzan-
tine theology. Nevertheless, the situation following the fall of
Byzantium was marked by efforts to preserve the Patristic
heritage, without attempts to develop it creatively in response
to new circumstances.
The Fathers were no longer developed creatively in re-
sponse to new circumstances, but were treated increasingly as
treasured monuments to be guarded. Patristic thought be-
came, as it were, a precious archaeological inheritance, pre-
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