Description
Book SynopsisRussian Society and the Orthodox Church examines the Russian Orthodox Church''s social and political role and its relationship to civil society in post-Communist Russia. It shows how Orthodox prelates, clergy and laity have shaped Russians'' attitudes towards religious and ideological pluralism, which in turn have influenced the ways in which Russians understand civil society, including those of its features - pluralism and freedom of conscience - that are essential for a functioning democracy. It shows how the official church, including the Moscow Patriarchate, has impeded the development of civil society, while on the other hand the non-official church, including nonconformist clergy and lay activists, has promoted concepts central to civil society.
Trade Review'Knox makes a novel contribution to the literature on the post-communist ROC as she provides an in-depth analysis of the political opinions advanced by Orthodox clerics and lay-people.' - Slovo, 17.2
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Civil Society, Religion and Politics: The Post-Soviet Context 2. A 'Usable Past'? Russian Orthodoxy and Civil Society In The Soviet Union 3. 'Unofficial' Orthodoxy, Religious Pluralism, and Civil Society 4. Symphonia, The Moscow Patriarchate, and The State 5. Orthodoxy, Russian Nationalism and Civil Society 6. Prelates and Pluralism: The Moscow Patriarchate and Civil Society Conclusion Bibliography
