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Document Details :

Title: The Metaphysical Foundations of the Ecumenical Project of Vladimir Solovyov
Author(s): OBOLEVITCH, Teresa
Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies
Volume: 67    Issue: 1-2   Date: 2015   
Pages: 33-45
DOI: 10.2143/JECS.67.1.3144282

Abstract :
Vladimir Solovyov (1853-1900) is called 'the prophet' of ecumenism. In his later works he developed a view on the reconciliation of the Eastern and Western Churches. However, some presuppositions of this project can already be traced in his early philosophical works, such as The Philosophical Principles of Integral Knowledge (1877), Critique of the Abstract Principles (1877-1880), and Lectures on Godmanhood (1880). A major philosophical idea of Solovyov was his view that the entire universe formed an organic unity. Man is not an entity of its own, but part of a whole. Although in this world things seem to be dispersed, everything is somehow held together. This unity would be impossible without God who is the beginning and the purpose of existence. God is also the goal and the guarantee of the unity of human society and of the different religious communities, first and foremost, the Church as a divine-human reality. This paper discusses some of the metaphysical assumptions, such as 'all-unity' and 'God-manhood', Solovyov applied for justifying his ecumenical project.