Religious search in Russian philosophical thought at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries as a prerequisite to the formation of atheistic ideology

Abstract

In his paper author examines place and role of religion-motivated purports and values in Russian thought at turn of 19th-20th centuries as a prerequisite to formation of atheistic ideology of Soviet Union. It is author's belief that formation of atheistic ideology in USSR has to be looked into in context of period that historically preceded creation of state in order to better understand spiritual background of Russia when it entered into Soviet stage of its history. After all, people who were engaged in revolution and started building Soviet state matured in second half of 19th century. The author examines formation of USSR, which process, partially artificial and partially natural, resulted in development of a cultural tradition (the thinking in this case is underpinned by research conducted by J. Assman, P. Berger, T. Luckmann and M. Eliade), which would meet needs of different peoples, and understanding of what the Russian culture and Russian man should be like. We suggest viewing that cultural tradition, implemented in Soviet practice, as a new articulation of the Russian idea, which is one of theoretical views substantiated in this paper. A typical instrument for introduction of that cultural tradition was atheistic ideology, which formation prerequisites we discover in religious search of Russian intelligentsia at turn of 19th-20th centuries. However, it comprised secularized ideas of chosen nation and its special mission, which formed core of Soviet ideological narrative.