The infinite diversity of persons : individual personality in the ascetical theology of St Feofan the Recluse (1815-1894)
The teachings of St. Feofan (1815-1894), together with his celebrated Russian translation of the Philokalia, played a major role in the spiritual revival of nineteenth century Russia, earning him the reputation of one of the greatest Russian theoreticians of Orthodox mysticism. Yet Feofan also provoked fierce criticism of such eminent Russian thinkers as Nicolas Berdyaev. This study focuses on one of the most significant elements of Feofan's legacy: the notion of legitimacy of spiritual diversity. This idea permeates Feofan's discussions of the striking dissimilarities demonstrated by persons engaged in ascetic and spiritual pursuits. It is highlighted by the fact that Feofan derives his positive attitude to diversity from within the tradition generally perceived as intolerant of dissent and non-conformity. Based within a wider context of Orthodox mystical tradition, this study examines Feofan's major writings, his work with the texts of the Philokalia, and his public and private correspondence. Attention is given to such pivotal concepts as his notions of the spirit and the heart; intimate communion with God; and the cardinal importance of spiritual self-consciousness. The study reveals Feofan's indebtedness
Kulakov, Mikhail
Russian Orthodox; Ascetic
The infinite diversity of persons : individual personality in the ascetical theology of St Feofan the Recluse (1815-1894). The teachings of St. Feofan (1815-1894), together with his celebrated Russian translation of the Philokalia, played a major role in the spiritual revival of nineteenth century Russia, earning him the reputation of one of the greatest Russian theoreticians of Orthodox mysticism. Yet Feofan also provoked fierce criticism of such eminent Russian thinkers as Nicolas Berdyaev. This study focuses on one of the most significant elements of Feofan's legacy: the notion of legitimacy of spiritual diversity. This idea permeates Feofan's discussions of the striking dissimilarities demonstrated by persons engaged in ascetic and spiritual pursuits. It is highlighted by the fact that Feofan derives his positive attitude to diversity from within the tradition generally perceived as intolerant of dissent and non-conformity. Based within a wider context of Orthodox mystical tradition, this study examines Feofan's major writings, his work with the texts of the Philokalia, and his public and private correspondence. Attention is given to such pivotal concepts as his notions of the spirit and the heart; intimate communion with God; and the cardinal importance of spiritual self-consciousness. The study reveals Feofan's indebtedness
infinite diversity person individual personality theology teaching together celebrate russian translation play_major role spiritual revival russia earn reputation great russian orthodox mysticism yet also provoke fierce criticism eminent russian thinker study_focus significant element legacy notion legitimacy spiritual diversity idea permeate discussion strike dissimilarity demonstrate person engage ascetic spiritual pursuit highlight fact derive positive attitude diversity_within tradition generally perceive dissent non conformity based within_wide context orthodox mystical tradition study_examines major writing work text public_private correspondence attention_give pivotal concept notion spirit heart intimate communion god cardinal importance spiritual self_consciousness study_reveals indebtedness