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Document Details : Title: Vladimir Solov'ëv and the Russian-Christian Jewish Question Author(s): VAN DER ZWEERDE, Evert Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies Volume: 55 Issue: 3-4 Date: 2003 Pages: 211-244 DOI: 10.2143/JECS.55.3.504418 Abstract : In this article, the well-known Russian philosopher Vladimir Solov’ëv’s argument concerning the ‘Jewish Question’ is analyzed on the basis of a combination of close-reading of his key text in this connection, and contextual analysis. While the latter proves his sincere sympathy for the Russian Jews and his courageous defense of their civic rights, in both cases against the spirit of his time, the former discloses a narrative that, while assigning the Jews a major and positive role in the Divine plan of human history, at the same time pegs them down on an essentialistically conceived national identity made up of ethnic, religious, and socio-economic elements. This ‘theoretical’ nationalism is shown to be linked to his own highly particular position of ‘prophet’. |
