Unity in Faith?: Edinoverie, Russian Orthodoxy, and Old Belief, 1800-1918

Edinoverie was established in 1800 to attract Old Believers who had broken away from the Russian Orthodox Church due to ritual reforms. The Russian state tolerated Old Believers to control and develop their empire, but conversion from Orthodoxy was a criminal act. This created a complex relationship between the state, the Orthodox Church, and religious minorities, which was monitored and used by the state as a means of control.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2020
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Established in 1800, edinoverie (translated as unity in faith) emerged as a response to the rift between those who had departed from the Russian Orthodox Church due to ritual reforms introduced in the 17th century. These individuals, known as Old Believers, faced persecution as heretics. Over time, the Russian state began to tolerate Old Believers, recognizing their potential as a resource for controlling and developing Russia's vast and diverse empire. However, the Russian Empire itself was an Orthodox state, and conversion from Orthodoxy was considered a criminal act. This posed a dilemma: Should the state prioritize managing heterogeneity through religious toleration, or enforce homogeneity through missionary campaigns?

Edinoverie remained a contentious and controversial issue throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Both the Orthodox Church and the Old Believers themselves held doubts and mistrust towards it. The state further exacerbated this ambivalence by employing edinoverie as a tool for monitoring Old Believer communities and using it as both a carrot and a stick, offering incentives and punishment.

In his comprehensive study, Unity in Faith? , James White delves into the intricate triangular relationship between the state, the Orthodox Church, and religious minorities in imperial Russia. Through meticulous research and analysis, White provides an unparalleled perspective on the complexities and challenges faced by these groups during this period. He explores the historical background, legal implications, and social dynamics that shaped the edinoverie movement and its impact on the lives of Old Believers and other religious minorities.

One of the key themes of White's study is the state's efforts to control and regulate religious practices. The Russian government sought to maintain a tight grip on religious affairs, viewing any deviation from Orthodoxy as a threat to the stability and unity of the empire. The state implemented various policies to restrict the activities of Old Believers, including surveillance, censorship, and persecution. However, these measures often backfired, leading to increased resentment and resistance among the Old Believers.

At the same time, White highlights the resilience and perseverance of the Old Believers. Despite facing persecution and discrimination, they refused to abandon their faith and traditions. They formed underground communities, maintained their own liturgies, and continued to practice their beliefs in secret. Their unwavering commitment to their faith inspired others and contributed to the broader religious and cultural landscape of imperial Russia.

White's study also sheds light on the complex relationship between the Orthodox Church and the state. While the Orthodox Church played a significant role in shaping Russian society and culture, it also had its own interests and concerns. The Church sought to maintain its authority

religious authority and control over the faithful, and it often clashed with the state's efforts to regulate and control religious practices. The Church's stance on edinoverie was particularly contentious, as it viewed the movement as a threat to the integrity of the Orthodox faith and the unity of the Church.

Despite these challenges, White argues that edinoverie played a significant role in the development of Russian society and culture. It facilitated the exchange of ideas and beliefs between different religious groups, promoted tolerance and understanding, and contributed to the broader cultural and intellectual landscape of imperial Russia. The movement also challenged the dominant narrative of Russian Orthodoxy and opened up new avenues for religious expression and exploration.

In conclusion, James White's study of edinoverie offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between the state, the Orthodox Church, and religious minorities in imperial Russia. Through his meticulous research and analysis, White provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical, legal, and social dimensions of the edinoverie movement. He highlights the challenges faced by Old Believers and other religious minorities, as well as the state's efforts to control and regulate their practices. At the same time, he recognizes the resilience and perseverance of these groups and their contributions to the broader cultural and intellectual landscape of imperial Russia. Unity in Faith? is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, religion, and society.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253049728