THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ART

Information about authors: Morozov Evgeniy Mikhaylovich, PhD in Sacred Theology, Vice-rector of Tomsk Orthodox Theological Seminary (Tomsk, Russian Federation). E-mail: tigriso@mail.ru

Annotation: The article deals with the reaction of The Russian Orthodox Church to modern trends in dramatic and cinematographic art in connection with its influence on moral state of the Russian society. Concern for the spiritual formation of young people encourages clergy to express their attitude publicly to the development of contemporary art as a key factor in the socialization of the younger generation. The protest of the Orthodox community against theatrical productions and films, in which religious symbols are presented in an offensive manner to believers, is perceived by a certain part of the liberal intelligentsia as an unlawful interference of the Church in secular life. The dogmatic nature of the Patriarchate’s official appeals to cultural institutions, involvement of the law enforcement as a force to combat undesirable, from the point of view of religion, creativity are all the results of the lack of direct dialogue between the clergy and representatives of the art sphere. The author concludes that the Church will be able to strengthen its position as a moral expert in the field of art by raising the level of competence of the clergy in matters of artistic creativity. It is possible to reach a higher level of dialogue and cooperation, provided a new format of interaction is created in which the clergy and intellectuals can discuss the spiritual and moral issues of modern culture.

Keywords: Church, society, art, culture, morality, spirituality, theatre, cinema.

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