An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith
St. John of Damascus
Summary
A systematic presentation of Orthodox Christian doctrine covering God, creation, Christology, the virtues, and eschatology — the first great 'summa' of Christian theology.
Who Should Read This
Seminary students, theology enthusiasts, readers seeking a comprehensive Orthodox doctrinal reference.
Key Excerpts
"God is infinite and incomprehensible, and all that is comprehensible about Him is His infinity and incomprehensibility."
— Book I, Chapter 4
"We do not speak of the body as the form of the soul, but rather the soul is the form of the body, for the soul is the cause of the body."
— Book II, Chapter 12
Editorial Commentary
St. John Damascene synthesized centuries of patristic thought into a single, organized theological reference. It became the standard textbook of Orthodox dogmatics and deeply influenced both Eastern and Western theology. While systematic in approach, it remains devotional in tone. Best suited for readers who already have a foundation in Orthodox theology and want a comprehensive reference.