Religion in Praxis Conversation Series Religion in Praxis

Scholars struggle to piece together the historical puzzle of Jesus' life and are faced with the task of interpreting his teachings within the cultural and political milieu of his time. In the quest to understand Jesus Christ, two distinct perspectives emerge: the "historical Jesus" and the "theological Jesus. This fascinating dichotomy presents a unique challenge: how do we reconcile the flesh and blood figure who walked the earth with the divine being revered across Christian denominations? Delving into the historical evidence, we confront miracles through the lens of historical research, questioning their place in factual analysis while exploring their theological significance. As denominations diverge in their portrayals of Christ, we witness the evolution of theological understanding, shaped not only by canonical texts but also by the insights of non-canonical works such as the Gnostic Gospels. Recent archaeological discoveries further color our understanding of the historical background of Jesus, prompting us to distinguish between the teachings directly attributed to Jesus and those developed by later followers. In a modern context marked by secularism and a plurality of religious expressions, the challenge extends to reconciling these different accounts of Jesus while exploring the contemporary relevance of his dual perspectives.

Do the long-running conflicts over territory, saints, and sacred sites that have engulfed the Eastern Orthodox churches in post-communist Eastern Europe reflect deep-seated political and national rivalries? In this episode we discuss the book by Emil Hilton Saggau, "Nationalisation of the Sacred Orthodox Historiography, Memory, and Politics in Montenegro." We ask what does "Nationalisation of the Sacred" offer regarding the theological backdrop behind ongoing conflicts within Eastern Orthodoxy? A distinguished panel, including Professors Cyril Hovorun and Katharina Kunter, joins the author in reflecting on the book's key arguments and seeks to answer how have various strands of Eastern Orthodoxy adapted to the contemporary political context, transforming history, memory, and politics to suit the needs of rival nations and churches?

In this episode, the Conversation Series presents ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’; a comprehensive examination of the interrelationship between death, societal norms, and spiritual beliefs within the distinct socio-cultural context of Sweden. The discussion critically analyzes the influence of Swedish secular values, particularly those stemming from Lutheran secularization, on societal perceptions of death and the grieving process. The episode also explores the role of death education in Swedish schools, examining its impact on shaping children's perceptions of mortality in a context characterized by high rates of atheism. With Dr. Jakob Wirén we examine the mechanisms through which individuals seek meaning and closure following the loss of loved ones, considering the cultural and environmental implications of practices such as natural burial. ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’ also reflects on the historical significance of Swedish folklore, examining the persistence and transformation of afterlife tales and their influence on contemporary attitudes toward death. The episode critically reflects on the lessons learned from Sweden's approach to palliative care and the ethos of death with dignity. In analyzing the broader societal implications, the podcast discusses the application of "lagom" - the Swedish philosophy of balance - in the context of grief and loss. It assesses how Sweden's liberal church policies on funerals and memorials reflect evolving societal attitudes toward death amid increasing secularization. It also considers the role of Sweden's extensive welfare and social support systems in shaping individual approaches to existential questions about mortality.

In this final episode from Religion in Praxis of this year, Professor Mikhail Suslov takes us deep into an ideological moment and situation named Putinism. In a world where the interplay of ideology, religion, and national identity shapes the contours of global politics, understanding the dynamics of Putinism and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in contemporary Russia poses a fundamental challenge to European security. The questions posed in a recent interview with Professor Suslov go to the heart of these dynamics, exploring the motivations, influences, and implications of Putinism as Russia's third official ideology, and the relationship between the ROC and the state. Central to this exploration is an examination of the genesis of Putinism: is it a reactive construct, primarily a shield against perceived external threats, or is it an introspective quest for national identity and unity? This question sets the stage for a broader examination of the ideology's foundations and its resonance among the Russian populace and intellectual elite. The discussion then shifts to the significant influence of the Orthodox Church on Putinism, exploring how the Church shapes the ideology's core values and messianic narratives, as well as its impact on Russian society through various social institutions. Unlike Marxism-Leninism, Putinism lacks a clear utopian vision, raising questions about its effectiveness and appeal both domestically and internationally. This leads to an examination of Putinism's adaptability and potential evolution in response to domestic and international challenges, including its effectiveness as a cognitive prism through which the Russian population interprets its place in the world and current global dynamics. The interview also explores the inherent contradictions within Putinism that may limit its longevity or effectiveness as a guiding ideology. The potential evolution of Putinism, either toward social democracy or Orthodox fundamentalism, and its implications for Russia's domestic and foreign policies are explored as critical endpoints of this journey.

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Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir. The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. 

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Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.

Can centuries-old religious practices adapt to unprecedented global challenges? I discuss the book with co-authors of chapters: Professor Tymofii Brik and Vasilios N. Makrides as well as PhD candidate Stefan Radojkovic.

“Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” chronicles the resilience and adaptation of Orthodox communities to the pandemic. It examines how different Orthodox Christian churches responded to the health crisis, revealing insights about faith, culture, and crisis management. From Finland’s quiet churches to Greece’s vibrant communities, the book covers Orthodox practices in several countries and their parches, including Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Serbia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden.

The book asks whether Orthodox Christianity is evolving in response to societal changes. It examines how ancient traditions have been reconciled with modern health challenges, and highlights the ingenuity of religious leaders in reshaping roles and congregational worship. Each chapter offers a unique narrative that reflects broader societal changes during the health emergency.

“Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” will appeal not only to academic audiences, but to anyone interested in the relationship between global events and religious institutions. It delves into the often overlooked or understudied world of the Orthodox Churches. The book encourages readers to reflect and contribute to the dialogue on the evolving role of religion in the contemporary world.

In my latest research, I delve into the complex world of Orthodox Christianity and its impact on society in times of crisis. I explore how faith acts as a dual force - providing comfort and influencing political events. I focus on three distinct areas in which Orthodoxy plays a central role.



First, I look at how church and state interact in Ukraine, Serbia, and Georgia. I explore the influence of the Orthodox Church during political upheavals and how it's influenced by the secular world.



Next, I turn to the COVID-19 pandemic and how Orthodox Christianity has responded to its challenges, adapting ancient practices for a modern crisis.



Finally, I take you to Ukraine, where faith intertwines with war and identity, revealing how Orthodoxy can offer hope as well as fuel conflict.



This journey through faith and crisis aims to illuminate the powerful role of Orthodox Christianity in shaping our world, both as a protector and as a player on the political stage.