Theologian · Contemporary
Alexander Schmemann
1921–1983 · Liturgical theology
Orthodox priest and dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary; architect of the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America.
Schmemann taught that the liturgy is the source of theology, that the world is a sacrament and man “homo adorans,” a priest offering creation back to God in thanksgiving; For the Life of the World and The Eucharist present salvation as the restoration of this eucharistic life. He fought secularism as “a negation of worship,” and also the clericalism, nationalism and private piety that obscure the liturgy's meaning.
Why he matters: Ratzinger's Spirit of the Liturgy runs parallel to him; David Fagerberg and the Catholic liturgical movement after the Council have made him required reading; his critique of secularism and of “religion” as a private department is one Catholics share.
Where to be careful
He is outside Catholic communion while treasured by Eastern Catholics; he holds the Orthodox positions on the Filioque (Florence) and the papacy (Pastor Aeternus), and his journals are sharp about post-conciliar Catholicism; his impatience with some received devotional forms should be read beside Mediator Dei's warning against antiquarianism.
Reading
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For the Life of the WorldAlexander Schmemann · The short classic on the world as sacrament.
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The Eucharist: Sacrament of the KingdomAlexander Schmemann · His mature liturgical theology.
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Theologia Prima: What Is Liturgical Theology?David W. Fagerberg · A Catholic theologian builds on Schmemann.
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each dispute the test covers.