Vladimir Sergeevich Solovyov was one of the most influential Russian religious thinkers and philosophers of his time. His literary heritage is among the largest and weightiest in the Russian language, enjoying continued relevance particularly in matters of East-West ecumenism. From 1883 to 1889, Solovyov focused especially on questions of the universality of the Church. In One and Holy, many of these essential ecclesiological writings have been gathered together for the first time in English translation. The collection opens with The Great Controversy, the first of Solovyov's major ecclesiological works and one that marks the beginning of his interest in the Roman Church. Arguing that the Church cannot be understood except as a universal reality, he concludes that her inner life goes beyond any particular local expression, thus offering a basis for reunion between East and West. This text is followed by several shorter works, including "Some Explanations Regarding the Great Controversy" and "The Response to N. Ia. Danilevskii," in which Solovyov defends his ideas against Russian critics. His next major work, The History and Future of Theocracy, articulates a framework for unified Christian society, treating issues of doctrinal development and dogmatic differences between East and West. The collection includes his "Letter to Strossmayer" and concludes with The Russian Idea, addressed to prominent Catholics of his day.
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STJEPAN ANDROIĆ, FSSP, is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and Russian philology from the University of Zagreb and studied philosophy and theology at the International Seminary of St. Peter in Wigratzbad. Androić is the translator of an introductory volume on scholastic philosophy and the author of many articles on the Christian faith and literature.
What People Are Saying
"Vladimir Solovyov is one of the great religious philosophers of modern times. This superb volume brings together some of his essential writings, most translated here for the first time, on a set of themes that was precious to him: ecclesiology and ecumenism, religious freedom in Russia, the union of the churches, and the establishment of a free and harmonious divine-human unity in all spheres of life, an ideal he called 'free theocracy.' His message has never been more urgent, and this edition of his works, expertly prepared and beautifully presented, conveys it effectively and powerfully."
"The essays collected in Stjepan Androić's accessible and timely volume all come from the 1880s, the decade during which Solovyov's engagement with the ecclesiastical affairs of his day reached its greatest intensity. This accounts for the consistent focus, thematic unity, and linguistic continuity of the material. The seven pieces anthologized here, despite their generic variety, may be read as a single essay. They certainly have a common theme—namely, reconciliation. The reconciliation of the Eastern and Western churches heads the agenda. But Solovyov's ecumenical ecclesiology, while grounded in the Bible and patristic theology, was expansive and developmental. His call for the reconciliation of the churches led him to other missions as well: the reconciliation of Russia with the West, and the reconciliation of historic religiosity with modern secularity. Solovyov has not lost his relevance. He continues to challenge us when we consider how drastically our contemporary ecclesiastical, cultural, and political reality falls short of his hopeful vision."
"Solovyov is far more relevant to the twenty-first century than are most thinkers of the twentieth. Suddenly, ecumenism is politics and theocracy (for good or ill) is viable. This excellent collection of translations can help us think in a postliberal fashion about both our past and our future."
"Vladimir Solovyov is, no doubt, the most important Russian philosopher and lay theologian of the nineteenth century. With this volume, collecting his main theological and church-historical writings, the larger part of his impressive legacy has now become available in English translation. In that respect, this edition completes an informal 'Collected Works' edition. A great feat for international scholarship!"
