Sacred Russia, Secular Russia: Religion, Identity, and Politics after Communism

Sacred Russia, Secular Russia examines the complex relationship between religion and politics in post-Soviet Russia. The book focuses on the Russian Orthodox Church's role in shaping national identity and policy during the transition from communism. Through extensive research and fieldwork, Papkova analyzes key events and developments from the 1990s through the early 2000s. She investigates the Church's influence on legislation, education, and social issues while documenting the tensions between religious and secular forces in Russian society. The book presents detailed case studies of political conflicts involving Orthodox actors and institutions. Papkova's research draws on interviews, archival materials, and contemporary media sources to trace the evolution of church-state relations. Her analysis reveals broader questions about modernization, democracy, and the place of traditional religion in contemporary societies. The work contributes to ongoing debates about secularization and the relationship between religious identity and political power.

The book receives mostly favorable academic reviews for its detailed analysis of religion's role in post-Soviet Russian politics. Readers appreciate: - Clear breakdown of different Orthodox Christian factions - Extensive field research and interviews - Focus on specific case studies rather than broad generalizations - Neutral stance on controversial religious-political issues Common criticisms: - Dense academic language limits accessibility - Some sections overly focused on organizational minutiae - Could include more historical context - Limited coverage of non-Orthodox religious groups Review Metrics: Amazon: No reviews available Goodreads: 4.0/5 (5 ratings, 0 written reviews) Google Books: No user reviews Academic journal reviews note the book's contribution to understanding Russian Orthodox Church factions' political influence, though multiple reviewers mention it assumes substantial background knowledge of Russian politics and Orthodox Christianity. Note: Limited consumer reviews available as this is primarily an academic text used in university courses.

The Orthodox Church and Russian Politics by John Garrard This book examines the Russian Orthodox Church's role in post-Soviet politics and its influence on state policy-making from 1991-2008.

Religion and Politics in Post-Communist Russia by Zoe Knox The text chronicles religious institutions' transformation from Soviet-era persecution to significant political actors in contemporary Russia.

The New Russian Nationalism by Pål Kolstø, Helge Blakkisrud This study explores the intersection of Orthodox Christianity, national identity, and political movements in post-Soviet Russia.

Russian Culture in War and Revolution by Melissa Stockdale and Boris Kolonitskii The book traces the evolution of Russian cultural identity through the lens of religion and secular institutions during major historical transitions.

The Religious Factor in Russia's Foreign Policy by Alicja Curanović This analysis details how the Russian Orthodox Church shapes Russia's international relations and diplomatic strategies in the modern era.

🔹 The book examines three distinct groups within Russian Orthodoxy - fundamentalists, traditionalists, and liberals - showing how their different visions for Russia's future shaped political developments in the 1990s and 2000s. 🔹 Author Irina Papkova conducted extensive fieldwork in Russia, including attending church services, political rallies, and conducting interviews with clergy members and religious activists across multiple regions. 🔹 The research challenges the common Western perception that the Russian Orthodox Church operates as a monolithic institution uniformly supporting the Kremlin's policies. 🔹 The book documents how religious symbolism and Orthodox identity were increasingly incorporated into Russian patriotic celebrations after the fall of communism, including the creation of new holidays like Day of National Unity. 🔹 While teaching at Georgetown University, Papkova's work on religion and politics in post-Soviet states has been supported by prestigious organizations including the Kennan Institute and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.