The Orthodox Church and National Identity in Post-Communist Romania

This book explores the Romanian Orthodox Church's arguments on national identity to legitimize its place in a post-communist Romania. It traces the clergy's deployment of Christian Orthodoxy and Latin legacy as part of an uncharted constellation of arguments in contemporary intellectual history. A survey of public intellectuals' opinions on national identity complements the Church's views. The investigation offers an insight into the Church's efforts to re-assert itself in a post-dictatorial world of accelerated modernization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 173 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate arguments employed by the Romanian Orthodox Church to establish its rightful place in the post-communist landscape of Romania. It traces the strategic deployment of concepts such as Christian Orthodoxy and Latin legacy by the clergy as part of a novel constellation of arguments in contemporary intellectual history. To complement the Church's perspectives, a comprehensive survey of public intellectuals' opinions on national identity is conducted, providing a valuable addition to the discourse. The investigation aims to shed light on the Church's endeavors to re-assert itself in a world characterized by rapid modernization, given the newfound freedom it enjoys.

Following a thorough clarification and survey of the Church's claims on institutional and national identity, the book proceeds to explore secular ideas on the same subject. The subsequent analysis treats this material as "speech acts" (statements that do more than just convey information), highlighting instances where they may deviate from conventional expectations. Against the backdrop of secularization, the Church's rhetoric emerges as a distinctive voice in the post-89 intellectual landscape, offering a unique perspective on the nation's identity.

This insightful exploration of the Romanian Orthodox Church's arguments on national identity and their interplay with secular ideas provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping post-communist Romania. It sheds light on the Church's efforts to assert its influence and position in a rapidly changing society, while also offering a valuable contribution to the broader discourse on national identity and religion in the region.

Weight: 249g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030484293
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020