Relics and Miracles: Two Theological Essays

by Sergius Bulgakov, Boris Jakim (Translator)

Boris Jakim here presents two major theological essays by Russian Orthodox theologian Sergius Bulgakov in English translation for the first time.

"On Holy Relics," a 1918 response to Bolshevik desecration of the relics of Russian saints, develops a comprehensive theology of holy relics, connecting them with the Incarnation and showing their place in sacramental theology. The second essay, "On the Gospel Miracles," written in 1932, presents a Christological doctrine of miracles, focusing on how human activity relates to the works of Christ.

Both essays are suffused with Bulgakov's faith in Christian resurrection ― and with his signature "religious materialism," in which the corporeal is illuminated by the spiritual and the earthly is transfigured into the heavenly.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Essays, Christian, Religion

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2011

About the author

Sergei Nikolaevich Bulgakov (/bʊlˈɡɑːkəf/;[1] Russian: Серге́й Никола́евич Булга́ков; 28 July [O.S. 16 July] 1871 – 13 July 1944) was a Russian Orthodox Christian theologian, philosopher, and economist.

Reviews

[Aaron White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two works by Bulgakov, on relics and on miracles. The first, on relics, was brought about as a result of Soviet officials breaking open the containers that held relics inside of Orthodox Churches, “examining” them (pulling them apart) and showing the results to believers. This was an attempt to undermine belief, to show that the remains were not incorrupt. Bulgakov was scandalised by this practice, but used the occasion to develop a theological explanation of what relics are and what they are not. In particular he argues that while incorruptibility is possible, and considered essential in the popular view, a proper understanding of humanity’s essential corporeal nature and the body’s relationship to soul and spirit will show us that this is not required. I had never before truly considered what relics really even were, so Bulgakov’s use of relics to highlight truths about our incarnate reality is fascinating and helpful. The second work, on miracles, is much longer and more intricate. Bulgakov goes through the nature of miracle, explains that they are not suspensions of natural law but rather ongoing providential acts of God’s freedom (not creational acts), and then demonstrates the nature of Jesus’ miracles, ending with the resurrection. Most importantly, in my view, Bulgakov talks about Jesus’ miracles - apart from the resurrection - as a function not just of his divine nature, but of his human nature. There is no separation of natures here, for example in the raising of Lazarus. Jesus was divine in his God-nature, but also deified in his human nature, and what he did is something theoretically accessible to us all. The resurrection, however, is the miracle of miracles, the acting of the Trinity in granting Jesus’ soul the ability and right to raise the body from the dead. Wonderful work, though not an easy read.

[Dan Yingst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent