Orthodox Revivalism in Russia: Driving Forces and Moral Quests

This book explores the social background and moral attitudes of a small flock of believers in Russia, revealing that their complex moral beliefs have a disproportionately high impact on society, with a strong emphasis on personal perfection and collective ideas concerning religious nationalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Orthodoxy has experienced a significant resurgence in Russia since the collapse of Communism. However, it is intriguing to note that despite a strong sense of identification with Orthodoxy, there is a relatively low level of church attendance. This book, based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, delves into the social backgrounds and moral attitudes of a small but active group of believers who actively participate in religious life. It uncovers that the complex moral beliefs held by the faithful have a profound impact on Russian society as a whole; that there is a strong emphasis on striving for personal perfection among the faithful; and that there are also strong collective ideas regarding religious nationalism and the interplay between the secular and the religious.

The revival of Orthodoxy in Russia has been a remarkable phenomenon following the collapse of Communism. While there is a strong sense of identification with Orthodoxy among the Russian population, there is a paradoxical low level of church attendance. This book, based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, aims to explore the social background and moral attitudes of the small flock of believers who actively participate in religious life.

Through in-depth ethnographic research, the book reveals several key findings. Firstly, it highlights the complex moral beliefs held by the faithful, which have a disproportionately high impact on Russian society as a whole. The Orthodox Church emphasizes personal perfection and moral uprightness, and these values are deeply ingrained in the religious practices and beliefs of the faithful.

Secondly, the book emphasizes the strong emphasis on striving for personal perfection among the faithful. The Orthodox Church encourages its members to pursue spiritual growth and self-discipline, and many believers view their religious practices as a means of achieving this goal. The faithful are often seen as seeking to live a life that is in harmony with their religious beliefs and values, and they strive to embody the teachings of the Church in their daily lives.

Thirdly, the book explores the strong collective ideas concerning religious nationalism and the synergy between the secular and the religious in Russian society. The Orthodox Church plays a significant role in shaping Russian cultural identity and values, and many believers view the Church as a symbol of national pride and identity. The Church is also closely intertwined with the state, and there is a strong sense of mutual support and cooperation between the two institutions.

Despite the positive aspects of the revival of Orthodoxy in Russia, there are also challenges and complexities to consider. One of the challenges is the increasing secularization of society, which has led to a decline in religious participation among many younger generations. Additionally, there are concerns about the role of the Orthodox Church in promoting conservative values and attitudes, which may not align with the broader social and political landscape of Russia.

In conclusion, the revival of Orthodoxy in Russia has been a significant social and cultural phenomenon, with a strong sense of identification with Orthodoxy among the Russian population and a relatively low level of church attendance. This book provides valuable insights into the social background and moral attitudes of the little flock of believers who actively participate in religious life, shedding light on the complex moral beliefs, emphasis on personal perfection, and collective ideas regarding religious nationalism and the synergy between the secular and the religious in Russian society.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367474201