Among all the scientific fields that have interacted with Orthodoxy, it seems that without doubt the psychological sciences prevail in public discussion. The realm of the human inner world continues to be an object of interest and to spark fruitful public debates.

Today, after the broad acceptance of the psychological sciences within the Orthodox Church and their integration into theological curricula, clergy training, ecclesiastical dialogue, parent and student groups, publications, conferences, etc., it is not easy for us to grasp the long and often painful journey that had to be traveled before reaching such convergence—nor the accumulated cost that the delay of a productive encounter has exacted. Whether we like it or not, the Orthodox Church was the last among the major Christian denominations to set aside its reservations, after progressive Protestants and Catholics (of course, fundamentalist Protestant branches continue to oppose the psychological sciences). It is clear that this delay must be attributed to the general suspicion of Orthodox Theology toward the modern scientific explosion.

Orthodox Christians are entitled to explore how one can remain truly faithful within a culture that is no longer inspired by the Church. The encounter between Orthodoxy and the psychological sciences therefore acquires existential significance and emerges as a crucial issue for personal identity.

This book attempts a tour through what has been written by Orthodox authors in eight languages!