Christianity and Russian Culture in Soviet Society

This book explores the tension between expressing Christian beliefs and legal restrictions, emphasizing the importance of Christian culture to perestroika.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is the product of a three-day conference at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, which focused on the tension between the expression of Christian beliefs and the legal restrictions imposed on professions of faith. It also explored the importance of Christian culture to perestroika, the political and social reform movement in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The conference brought together a diverse group of scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Christian communities in the modern world. The book includes a range of essays and case studies that examine the historical and cultural roots of Christian beliefs and practices, as well as their impact on society and politics.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between religion and the state. The authors argue that while the separation of church and state is important, it is not always possible to separate religious beliefs and practices from the broader social and political context. They suggest that governments can play a constructive role in promoting religious freedom and tolerance, while also recognizing the importance of religious values and institutions in shaping society.

Another theme of the book is the role of Christian culture in promoting social justice and human rights. The authors argue that Christian values and traditions can provide a moral framework for addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. They also suggest that Christian communities can play a role in advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and promoting social change through grassroots activism and social entrepreneurship.

The book also explores the challenges facing Christian communities in the modern world, such as the rise of secularism, the spread of Islamophobia, and the challenges of living in a diverse and multicultural society. The authors argue that Christian communities need to be proactive in responding to these challenges and developing new strategies for promoting their values and beliefs in a changing world.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of religion and society in the modern world. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the tension between the expression of Christian beliefs and the legal restrictions imposed on professions of faith. It also explores the importance of Christian culture to perestroika and the challenges facing Christian communities in the modern world. The book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders alike, and will provide a valuable resource for understanding the complex relationship between religion and society in the 21st century.

Weight: 470g
ISBN-13: 9780367162931