The Knowledge of God and Participation in the Trinitarian Community: The Balanced Approach of Dumitru Staniloae

Over the last decades there has been a growing interest in the Orthodox tradition and spirituality. The patristic roots and dialogue with contemporary philosophy and Western theology is the main characteristic of the theological heritage of many significant theologians of the Orthodox tradition inthe XX century. One of the representatives of the profound, systematic and creative theology isDumitrue Staniloae, the Romanian theologian. The main question which goes through all his works is, how people can know and experience God? Hedefines two levels: knowing God, meaning amore rational dimension and, experiencing God,meaning taking part in Trinitarian community. Hetries to discuss not only in the framework of theteaching of the Church Fathers, but also through modern Western philosophical discourse,such as personalism and existentialism. This work can be useful for people working in thetheological field and for people with more broader interests in religion, mystical experiences and Orthodox spirituality.