A new interpretation of the history of Russian religious thought: Philosophy of religion as a significant aspect of religious philosophy

Abstract

The conversation between Alexander Kyrlezhev and Professor Konstantin Antonov is devoted to the monograph of the latter, “‘How is religion possible?’: Philosophy of religion and philosophical problems of theology in Russian religious thought of the 19th–20th centuries”. The phenomenon of religious philosophy as a special type of thinking arising in the secular culture of Modernity and having a universal character is discussed. Within the framework of the Russian tradition, a “single field of the philosophy of religion” is revealed, including theology, the science of religion, secular criticism of religion, and religious philosophy proper. The novelty of the research approach of the monograph’s author is emphasized, who for the first time made the philosophy of religion of Russian religious thinkers of the 19th–20th centuries, who experienced the influence of German classical philosophy and the culture of romanticism, the subject of consideration. The heroes of the book carry out philosophical reflection in conditions of moving away from religion and subsequent religious conversion, which determines the specifics of their thought, aimed both at criticizing traditional theology and at formulating their own theological ideas. The subjectivity of Russian thinkers and their attempts to ontologize religious experience, as well as their views on organized religion, established religious practices, and other religious traditions, are discussed. In conclusion, parallels are drawn between the specifics of Russian religious thought and the latest post-secular trends in the intellectual and public spheres. The relevance of the Russian tradition of thinking about religion is revealed to comprehend modern religious and social processes as well as Orthodox theology in general.