Phronema
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- This refers to the concept Phronema. For the theological journal, see here.
Phronema is a Greek term that is used in Orthodox theology to refer to mindset or outlook; it is the Orthodox mind. The attaining of phronema is a matter of practicing the correct faith (orthodoxia) in the correct manner (orthopraxia). Attaining phronema is regarded as the first step toward theosis, the state of glorification.
Meaning
These terms are part of what is called the "therapeutic method" of Orthodoxy, or the "therapeutic tradition." Orthodox theology teaches that a faith is true if it heals spiritual sickness, and brings the faithful to "behold the uncreated Light." Phronema refers to "the completely self-sacrificial trust and faith in religious and ethical truths... from the voice of God.... an unshakeable certainty about the truth of Faith... undiminished and vibrant throughout life, a continually verified daily experience," [1] "a growing feeling for and understanding of God's and the practice of Orthodox piety—Orthodox Worship and behavior." [2] The phronema is vested in tradition "against all heresies and schisms of all times". [3] The "mind of the Fathers" is also termed phronema [4] as is the "mind of the Church."[5]