Augustine and Russian Orthodoxy
by Myroslaw I. Tataryn
Category: Religion

An atmosphere of distrust exists between Orthodox Christians of the East and Christians of the West, underscoring the need for dialogue that promotes a better understanding and appreciation of each other's tradition, experience, and theology. Myroslaw Tataryn contributes to this effort with Augustine and Russian Orthodoxy, in which he presents Orthodox perceptions of the theology of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), one of the most significant figures in Western Christianity. Specifically, he analyzes the views of Russian Orthodox theologians working in Paris after the Bolshevik Revolution. This period was significant as it marked the violent end of the 19th century Russian religious renaissance, and the work of these Russian ZmigrZs in the years following WWI represents a landmark of Orthodox thinking in an atmosphere of true freedom. Understanding Augustine's reception by these Orthodox thinkers is important as it will help explain the deeper Orthodox mentality and help foster an appreciation of its distinctiveness vis-^-vis Western Christianity.