| Summary: | This thesis will provide a critical exposition of the theological writings of Mother Maria Skobtsova (1891-1945). It will highlight two over-arching themes in her work. The first is a focus on the human in her theological vision. Secondly, and related to this, is a desire to maintain ‘wholeness’; to strive towards a unity between the divine and the human principles, and to balance various dualities such as the individual and community, or the church and the world. This thesis will suggest that the key to understanding these themes is a recognition of the place of sacrifice in Skobtsova’s work. In order to do this, Chapter 1 will provide important biographical context for this understudied figure, contextualising some of her key theological essays against her biography. Chapter 2 will highlight the place of Russia in Skobtsova’s thought. It will explore the impact of Russian religious thought on Skobtsova’s theology (especially Aleksei Khomiakov and Vladimir Soloviev), the notion of Russia as the ‘third Rome’, and key concepts such as <i>Godmanhood</i> and <i>sobornost</i>’. It will also highlight the impact of emigration on Skobtsova’s thought. The Chapter 3 will focus on one of Skobtsova’s earliest theological works, entitled ‘<i>Zhatva Dukha</i> [Harvest of the Spirit]’. Chapter 4 will look at Skobtsova’s ascetic theology and highlight her understanding of ‘the world’ in ascetic literature. Chapter 5 will note the centrality of the ‘mysticism of human communion’ for Skobtsova’s theological system, and her understanding of the ascetical practice of human encounter. Chapter 6 will look at her writings on social theory and politics, thinking especially about how she judges social theory against her desire to love the neighbour and strive towards ideological synthesis. The conclusion of this thesis will gather together these themes and draw out the place of sacrifice in Skobtsova’s theology.
|
|---|