The Pillar and Ground of the Truth: An Essay in Orthodox Theodicy in Twelve Letters

Certainly the greatest Russian theologian of this century, Pavel Florensky (1882-1937) is now beginning to be recognized as one of its greatest polymaths. This volume is the first English translation of his rich and fascinating defense of Russian Orthodox theology. Originally published in 1914, the book is a series of twelve letters to a "brother" or "friend, " who may be understood symbolically as Christ. Central to Florensky's work is an exploration of the various meanings of Christian love, which is viewed as a combination of philia (friendship) and agape (universal love). Florensky is perhaps the first modern writer to explore the so-called "same-sex unions, " which, for him, are not sexual in nature. He describes the ancient Christian rites of the adel-phopoiesis (brother-making), joining male friends in chaste bonds of love. In addition, Florensky is one of the first thinkers in the twentieth century to develop the idea of the Divine Sophia, who has become one of the central concerns of feminist theologians.