Sergei Bulgakov: Eastern Orthodoxy engaging the modern world

Abstract

This paper argues that the Russian Orthodox theologian, Sergei Bulgakov (1871-1944), offers a unique engagement with the modern world and thus challenges a reified view of traditional Christian doctrine. Bulgakov's approach demonstrates that the doctrine of the Incarnation (as any doctrinal formulation) must be recognized as an attempt at understanding an ultimate truth (Divine Sophia) within a limiting context (earthly Sophia). Thus, although admitting the centrality of the Chalcedonian formula, theology must offer an interpretation and translation of its insights into the questions and dilemmas of the contemporary world. This open-ended approach is then applied both to Incarnational and ecumenical theology.