Lived Orthodoxy and Confessional Diversity: The Last Decade on Religion in Modern Russia

摘要: A decade ago in these pages, Gregory Freeze critiqued the historiography of religion since fall USSR, remarking that it had "done little to illuminate meaning Orthodoxy modern Russian society and culture." (1) Ten years on situation looks rather different--in more ways than one. The a range contexts has become central preoccupation for historians both period earlier eras. Indeed, this essay I propose deep engagement with "lived Orthodoxy"--a concern as an adaptive cultural system variety which was internalized practiced--represents one principal accomplishments last decade. (2) Nowhere development been significant work rapidly changing conditions late imperial Russia, serves focus essay. relationship between Orthodox piety "modernity" accordingly emerged another vector decade's scholarship? At same time, clear Russia's religious history can no longer be contained under heading "Russian Orthodoxy," case Freeze's scope investigation expanded substantially include other religions history--principally, but not only, Islam. These major themes--lived Orthodoxy, modernity, multiconfessionalism--represent three most trends scholarship Some entails institutions, biography, texts, ideas. Scholars have produced valuable institutional histories clarifying place Holy Synod its chief procurator governmental structures; functioning theological academies ecclesiastical courts; 19th-century flowering feminization monasticism. (4) Even topic seemingly shopworn Peter Great's church reforms gained new sources fresh perspectives hands talented historians. (5) biographical genre continues inspire imaginative scholars engaged readers, while illuminating crucial aspects life Russia through Konstantin Pobedonostsev curious assortment colorful bishops monks. Such figures could facilitate acceptance Enlightenment principles or promote novel ideologies like Christian socialism, yet cases they hindered political change embroiled scandal. (6) Engaging particular corpora researchers examined catechisms understand formation confessional consciousness; written confessions narrative forms constructed sacred ordinary believers; didactic texts promoted "Orthodox domesticity" by seeking shape behavior women. (7) Meanwhile intersection theology philosophy, especially Silver Age, represent vibrant subfield integrates culture, intellectual history, literature. (8) series meanwhile wedded institutions ideas investigating debates about Synodal system, law, appearance discourses freedom. (9) If studies demonstrate how we knew core ideational attributes many them also cross into realm where arguably biggest strides made. application religion" came response only predominantly past conception "popular religion," often framed previous inquiry. That criticized because presupposes two dichotomies--between elite nonelite laity priesthood--that ignore elements culture shared across social distinctions leave common folk conceptually "outside parameters Church professed belong. …