May 9, 2023 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! New IOTA Talks: Lori Peterson Branch on Secularism, Rev. Christopher Knight on Science and Theology “Understanding Secularism,” by Lori Peterson Branch This talk provides a brief account of contemporary scholarly understandings of secularism and suggests why understanding secularism is important for Orthodox Christians, their relationship to culture, and their practice of their faith. “Science and Theology: A Problem or an Opportunity?,” by Rev. Christopher Knight Orthodox Christians have sometimes found scientific perspectives to be a problem. However, this has been due in large measure to a shallow reading of Orthodox theological understandings. In this talk a number of “deeper” readings will be outlined in which faith and scientific understandings are seen as complementary rather than in conflict. IOTA Talks are short, engaging videos in which Orthodox scholars share their work with a non-academic audience. We invite you to view these talks on the IOTA YouTube channel or on the Eagle River Institute Library page. Talks are offered by women and men scholars, clergy and lay, speaking on relevant topics within their expertise. Topics include: The Mission-Critical Task of the Church Today • Understanding Secularism • Divine Guidance • The Rebel Saint: Marie of Paris • Honoring the Icons Within • and more. These talks were recorded in Volos, Greece at the IOTA conference in January 2023. Coming Soon from IOTA Publications: Divine Energies and Divine Action: Exploring the Essence-Energies Distinction, by David Bradshaw Although the essence-energies distinction is central to Eastern Orthodox theology, it has long been a source of puzzlement and confusion. Through a careful study of its classical, biblical, and patristic sources, David Bradshaw clarifies its meaning and shows how it remains foundational for a properly Christian understanding of the relationship of God to the world. Among the topics covered are: How the distinction emerged naturally within the synthesis of ancient Greek philosophy and biblical thought by the Greek Church Fathers The relationship of the divine energies to other important patristic concepts such as the divine logoi, the divine processions, and the “things around God” How the distinction enables a new approach to issues relating to divine action and divine-human synergy Why the concept of the divine energies has been for so long neglected or misunderstood in the West. Job Posting: IOTA Networking Coordinator IOTA is in the process of hiring a part-time networking coordinator. The ideal candidate is a person with a master’s degree in theology or a related discipline, who is inspired by our mission and is active on social media. Excellent writing skills in English and some web-design literacy are strongly preferred. See the full job description here. This position is available immediately. Please share this information on your networks and encourage potential candidates to send letters of interest and resumes to: Dr. Paul Gavrilyuk, plgavrilyuk@stthomas.edu. Thank you! Join IOTA Support IOTA by becoming a member and/or making your tax-deductible gift on this page. Your membership partially covers conference expenses, IOTA Publications operating expenses, and the production and editing of videos for the IOTA YouTube Channel.