Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sophia, Sophia..., April 29, 2004
Florensky was one of Russia's greatest theologians, certainly of the past century. Prior to Russian Orthodoxy's 'frozen period' during the Soviet regime, Florensky thought was beginning to be known and studied, partly due to the twelve letters (reprinted here in English as 'The Pillar and Ground of the Truth') published first in 1914, as World War I threatened and the downfall of the Czarist regime was soon upon them. Florensky was actually from the little republics south of Russia, having been born in Azerbaijan and growing up in Georgia. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Moscow, and this mathematical and logical sensibility extends throughout his theological development. In the introduction, Gustafson shows the influence of the Russian Symbolist movement, with its appreciation of classical and medieval society, renewed interest and language, and mystical attributes upon Florensky. The flow of this book, however, is not a systematic theological text as much as a series of letters written to a brother or friend (who can be understood most likely as Christ). It demonstrates artistic and poetic sensibilities. There is also a liturgical sense about it, given that Florensky had monastic leanings. 'The Pillar and Ground of the Truth' draws significantly on patristics and liturgical resources. Gustafson identifies several controlling ideas for 'The Pillar and Ground of the Truth'. The first is epistemological, developed with Florensky's exacting and precise symbolic logic and mathematical skill. In particular, his idea of consubstantiality is very interesting. The second controlling idea is moral, looking at human interrelationships, and the relationship between God and humanity, which includes a fascinating idea of friendship. The third idea is ontological. Florensky develops the idea of Sophia as being a fourth hypostasis, challenging traditional trinitarian views (of three hypostases). But for Forensky, the Sophia is more of an ontological reality than a person, more of a meaning and reason than an actual entity, so perhaps the orthodoxy recovers somewhat there. This edition finds many mathematical, scholastic philosophical, and logical appendicies attached, including discourses on concepts of infinity and mathematical irrationality, Lewis Carroll, and even some bits on anatomy and physiology. This is not light reading by any means, but for the dedicated theologian, it is worthwhile.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From doubt to certainty, November 1, 2009
The Pillar and Ground of the Truth is essentially an investigation into Christian epistemology, looking for how we can find genuine Truth and live according to it. The book is an ornate combination of theology, philosophy, mathematics, logic, and artistic sensibility, showcasing Florensky's depth of learning and subtlety of thought. It is written as a series of letters, addressed probably to a dear friend of Florensky's, which showcases some of the themes of the book. It's not at all clear to me that the Friend could be thought of as Christ, as some claim.
He begins the first letter by challenging traditional axioms of logic such as the law of identity and non-contradiction, claiming that they betray the sinful state of alienated and isolated humanity rather than the fulness of Truth which is found in a mutual relationship and interpenetration of all ideas, objects and persons. Rationality unaided by faith cannot progress past doubt, leading to either agonising indecision ('epoche') or nihilistic despair. For Florensky, the search for Truth leads inevitably to the Trinity, as the fulness of Being and Knowledge. The Trinity shows how all things can be both separate and of the same essence. A growth in holiness and contemplation makes us more able to perceive the Trinity and therefore the Truth. It also discloses the inner unity of 'antinomies', doctrinal truths that appear contradictory but are actually just facets of a higher truth. This shows the spiritual basis of true certainty, and therefore the moral element of epistemology. Sin is essentially a persistence in holding on to a false view of the self, and Gehenna (hell) is the final judgment and rejection of this false self in the light of Truth. True knowledge involves a knowledge of the creation, which is obtained first by detaching ourselves from dependence on it (ascesis), and then learning to contemplate its spiritual reality. Sophia is the true form of creation as it is perfected in eternity. Contrary to another reviewer on this site, Florensky does not view Sophia as a fourth hypostasis of the Trinity. Rather, as 'fourth' hypostasis Sophia represents God's openness to allow creation into the Trinitarian life, the process of 'deification', and its root in his eternal knowledge and will. Finally, true knowledge leads to a personal love of others, to friendship as pure, interested love, and the desire for perfection in this relationship ('jealousy').
This is a very rich and detailed work, and will need to be reread, paying attention to the vast amount of footnotes. A knowledge of orthodox monasticism will help with understanding some of the theological concepts.
I'm not sure what blurb writers are thinking sometimes. On the basis of the back cover, you would think this was a work largely about same-sex unions and a feminist doctrine of God. This is based on a short discussion in the final letter on a 'brotherhood' liturgy and other theologian's concepts of Sophia. Oh well, perhaps they know what sells books.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Essays in Othodox Theodicy, April 9, 2011
This review is from: The Pillar and Ground of the Truth: An Essay in Orthodox Theodicy in Twelve Letters (Hardcover)
Paval Florenski's "The Pillar and Ground of the Truth" is an outstanding example of Russian theology when it comes to the orthodox understanding and explanation of the Trinity. A Christian understanding of being partakers of the Divine nature is also explored with keen insight in a very practical way. Written at times as a letter to a beloved brother the theology is very practical and illustrates what it means for an individual's life practices to be a pillar and ground of truth, truth with a capital T. Complext at times this book is best read with a contemplative attitude.
Tumwater1
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
