The division of Christianity into the Greek East and Latin West has its roots in very old history, but its consequences still affect Europe and, consequently, Western civilization. Philip Sherrard's study aims to indicate both the fundamental nature and some of the consequences of this division.

The author particularly focuses on the underlying metaphysical foundations of Greek Christian thought and compares them with those of the Latin West. He convincingly argues that the philosophical and even theological differences, as distant as they may seem from practical issues, are symptoms of a deep difference in perspective that has profoundly affected the history of ideas and, consequently, the entire course of European history.

The comparisons he makes include the relationships between spiritual and secular powers during the Byzantine period with those assumed by medieval Papal authority, as well as an analysis of the "Platonic reaction" of personalities like Gemistos Plethon, and an extensive description of the spiritual background of the Renaissance, the Reformation, and ultimately, the modern Western world.

The final chapters of the book discuss the impact of contemporary Western ideas on Greek life and letters over the last few hundred years. With an unusual knowledge of aspects of the thought of the Greek Fathers of the Church that are often overlooked in the West, and with deep sympathy for their perspective on these issues, Philip Sherrard presents a viewpoint that may be unfamiliar but should strongly interest both theologians and philosophers, as well as historians and students of European civilization and, in general, global affairs.