Соотношение религии и культуры в мысли Вячеслава Иванова

Abstract

The main focus of interest in the paper is the problem of interdependence between religion and culture as reflected in the works by Viacheslav Ivanov. The Russian poet-thinker is convinced that there is a close connection between culture and religion. Religion in the texts by Ivanov appears to be axiological horizon and the tool revealing universal truths, necessary for each culture. Ideal culture, filled with all the properties of wholeness and real being, as Ivanov sees it, should become a form of religion. On the other hand, religion by no means can be treated as a form or a part of culture. Religion itself, being extra-cultural reality, serves as a necessary source for living cultures. Slavophile’s idea of sobornost’, Soloviev’s notion of a free, spiritual theocracy, Dostoevskii’s view of demonic consequences of making the mind absolute cognitive power are traceable inspirations for Ivanov’s concept of links between religion and culture. Ivanov’s thoughts on inspired, dialogic constitution of culture are conformable to European voices of criticism towards secular humanism.