Orthodox Fasting in a Postsecular Society: The Case of Contemporary Russia
The article deals with the revival of fasting in Russia after a long period of its nearly full neglect. On the basis of electronic sources, such as web forums, question-and-answer services, streaming video channels, and other publications the author shows how the clergy and the laity together discus...
1. VerfasserIn: | |
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Medienart: | Elektronisch Aufsatz |
Sprache: | Englisch |
Verfügbarkeit prüfen: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Veröffentlicht: |
MDPI
[2018]
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In: |
Religions
Jahr: 2018, Band: 9, Heft: 9, Seiten: 1-22 |
weitere Schlagwörter: | B
fasting practices
B new parishioners B Great Lent B Orthodox fast |
Online Zugang: |
Vermutlich kostenfreier Zugang Volltext (Verlag) Volltext (doi) |
Zusammenfassung: | The article deals with the revival of fasting in Russia after a long period of its nearly full neglect. On the basis of electronic sources, such as web forums, question-and-answer services, streaming video channels, and other publications the author shows how the clergy and the laity together discuss, collectively test and evaluate diverse fasting practices. The discourse on fasting practices in Russia is polyphonic and highly personalized; even the clergy has no single authoritative position. It remains unclear, who should be responsible for fasting mitigation in case of illness, pregnancy, or other circumstances; people are exposed to many different opinions, what results in confusion and anxiety. The article shows that contemporary believersincluding the clergyare not ready to follow tradition blindly. The discussants are roughly divided into two groups: those supporting traditional rules (fasting from animal products), and those inventing their own practices (fasting from sweets, or switching to cheaper foods). Both groups are interested in rational, mundane arguments in support of their choice: the traditionalists emphasize that fasting from meat is healthy, or that Lenten food is tastier; their opponents point out that fish and seafood are more expensive than dairy products and poultry; therefore, no money can be saved for the destitute. |
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ISSN: | 2077-1444 |
Enthält: | Enthalten in: Religions
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.3390/rel9090267 |