There is a lot to like about the aforementioned anecdote. It provides more insight into the early development between politics and Christianity in Russia. While this happened many centuries ago, the backdrop of its occurrence represents the growth of the relationship between the two. It would be hard to fathom in contemporary instances, but to make a modern day comparison, this would be equivalent to the President seeking input and counsel from a Cardinal or Priest before launching a military campaign against the enemies of our country. Overall this may be a poor comparison given the stark contrast between the Middle Ages and the 21st century, but such an occurrence would demonstrate a significant influence by the church on the state. Now,
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Christianity’s influence goes further in Russia’s history than just the Middle Ages, however. For example, Russians describe their distinct contribution to the progression of Christianity under the name of “Moscow, the Third and Last Rome.” Furthermore, under the reign of Ivan the Terrible, Russia was being developed and sought to become the “New Jerusalem.” The yearning to bridge themselves to the great Christian civilizations of the past demonstrates their commitment to a benevolent Christian society and a society whose faith is interwoven with its political …show more content…
The Russians have always thought of their country as an integral part of Christianity. They have firmly believed that a leading role is assigned to them in the history of mankind. The greatest influence in the formation of their political culture is that of their Church. The Church has yielded the principles associated with Christian living and provided to them a pattern of a political order from which their cultures establish a foundation. Christianity has been the tutor of the Russians, and to the nature of its instruction they owe their chief characteristics, their strengths and their weaknesses. Throughout history, the Church has had significant influence in the role of the government. Yet, at other times, it has been entirely submissive to the will of the government and used as a propaganda tool for the promotion of autocracy. Through it all, it persevered. Suffice to say, the Christianization of Russia is evidence of the affable connection between what establishes cultural harmony as the unique mode of human existence and its political impact on a
Christianity’s influence goes further in Russia’s history than just the Middle Ages, however. For example, Russians describe their distinct contribution to the progression of Christianity under the name of “Moscow, the Third and Last Rome.” Furthermore, under the reign of Ivan the Terrible, Russia was being developed and sought to become the “New Jerusalem.” The yearning to bridge themselves to the great Christian civilizations of the past demonstrates their commitment to a benevolent Christian society and a society whose faith is interwoven with its political …show more content…
The Russians have always thought of their country as an integral part of Christianity. They have firmly believed that a leading role is assigned to them in the history of mankind. The greatest influence in the formation of their political culture is that of their Church. The Church has yielded the principles associated with Christian living and provided to them a pattern of a political order from which their cultures establish a foundation. Christianity has been the tutor of the Russians, and to the nature of its instruction they owe their chief characteristics, their strengths and their weaknesses. Throughout history, the Church has had significant influence in the role of the government. Yet, at other times, it has been entirely submissive to the will of the government and used as a propaganda tool for the promotion of autocracy. Through it all, it persevered. Suffice to say, the Christianization of Russia is evidence of the affable connection between what establishes cultural harmony as the unique mode of human existence and its political impact on a