Groundbreaking Book on Orthodox Christianity Explores Intersections of Theology, Politics, and Ethics

Strategic Insights -

Assistant Professor Candace Lukasik at Mississippi State University has coedited a forthcoming book, "Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics," that sheds new light on the entanglement of theology and politics among contemporary Orthodox Christians. This book, published by Fordham University Press and slated for release in November, is a significant contribution to the field, highlighting the theopolitical dimensions of Orthodox Christianity and situating it within global Christianity. The publication is a culmination of Lukasik's previous research, including her debut book, "Martyrs and Migrants: Coptic Christians and the Persecution Politics of U.S. Empire" (NYU Press).

Key Takeaways:

  • The book "Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics" is a significant contribution to the field of anthropology of Christianity, specifically focusing on Orthodox Christianity.
  • The publication aims to bring Orthodox Christianity to the forefront, exploring its theopolitical dimensions and situating it within global Christianity.
  • The book highlights the importance of considering the intersections of theology, politics, and ethics in understanding Orthodox Christian communities.
  • Assistant Professor Candace Lukasik of Mississippi State University is the coeditor of the book, along with Northeastern University's Sarah Riccardi-Swartz.
  • The book is a culmination of Lukasik's previous research, including her book "Martyrs and Migrants: Coptic Christians and the Persecution Politics of U.S. Empire" (NYU Press).
  • The book features a chapter by Christopher Sheklian, a colleague of Lukasik's, which examines how distinct Orthodox traditions shape the ways migrant communities connect, adapt, and settle in new contexts.
  • Lukasik's work has received national recognition, including a 2024-2026 Young Scholars in American Religion award and fellowships from Brandeis University's Crown Center for Middle East Studies and the American Association of University Women.

Statistics:

  • 1 book, "Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics," is published by Fordham University Press.
  • 1 book, "Martyrs and Migrants: Coptic Christians and the Persecution Politics of U.S. Empire," was published by NYU Press.
  • 2 contributors, Candace Lukasik and Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, coedited the book.
  • 1 chapter, "Hagiographic Emplacement: St. Servatius, the Armenian Community of Maastricht, and Oriental Orthodox Christians in Europe," is written by Christopher Sheklian.

Sources:

  • "Anthropologies of Orthodox Christianity: Theology, Politics, Ethics" (Fordham University Press, November 2023)
  • "Martyrs and Migrants: Coptic Christians and the Persecution Politics of U.S. Empire" (NYU Press)
  • Mississippi State University newsroom article, "MSU's Lukasik publishes groundbreaking book on Orthodox Christianity" (August 2023)