Michael Plekon's Tradition Alive presents a collection of essays highlighting not only the vibrant tradition of 20th century Eastern Orthodox thought, but also the necessity of its inclusion in the theological canon constructed mainly by Western Christian thinkers. Ranging from the thought of the first generation of Russian ZmigrZs to contemporary Eastern Orthodox theologians, the essays in Tradition Alive point toward a positive theology that is convinced of the immanence of the holy spirit despite a world torn apart by revolution, violence, and despair. The contributors profess their faith in the transforming presence of Christ and the divine dimensions of the church by looking to the meaning and power of tradition in the practices of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. By focusing on the Orthodox Church's ecclesial and liturgical character, the authors emphasize the living character of the Christian tradition. With many contributions difficult, if not impossible, to access until now, Tradition Alive presents a brave and distinctive effort to enliven Western theology by looking to the theology of the East.

"Michael Plekon has once again provided us with a splendid anthology of essays on the purpose and nature of tradition within the Eastern Orthodox theological milieu. This is a delightful, elegant book, which illuminates Merton's analysis that the simplicity found in the architectural aspects of both Shakers and Cistericians rests on the foundation of humility shared by these communities." - Cistercian Studies Quarterly

"This book deserves a wide readership…[it] is the sort of book parish book review and adult study groups ought to be tackling, and I, for one, hope that priests and lay teachers will suggest its use in that setting-after having read it themselves." - St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly