The Russian Orthodox Church and Human Rights

by Kristina Stoeckl

This book examines the key 2008 publication of the Russian Orthodox Church on human dignity, freedom, and rights. It considers how the document was formed, charting the development over time of the Russian Orthodox Church's views on human rights. It analyzes the detail of the document, and assesses the practical and political impact inside the Church, at the national level and in the international arena. Overall, it shows how the attitude of the Russian Orthodox Church has shifted from outright hostility towards individual human rights to the advocacy of "traditional values."

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the new law was passed in Russia that effectively bars Christian and other churches from most forms of proselytizing, I've become very interested in the history of rights and the Russian Orthodox Church. The book is deep and has caused me much to think about in regards to human rights and religion and secularism, not just in Russia but in the world. I was also surprised to sense that the entire debate in the Orthodox Church seems not to be referenced in any scripture, though the Bible itself doesn't fully explore the idea of agency. I also would love an appendix to the book reflecting on where we are now. Still, she seems to have a sense of where it was headed.

I'd recommend the book for anyone trying to make sense of religion's influence in a secular world, or now in what is termed a "post-secular" world.