Vladimir Solovyov is one of the great religious philosophers of modern times. This superb volume brings together some of his essential writings, most translated here for the first time, on a set of themes that was precious to him: ecclesiology and ecumenism, religious freedom in Russia, the union of the churches, and the establishment of a free and harmonious divine-human unity in all spheres of life, an ideal he called 'free theocracy.' His message has never been more urgent, and this edition of his works, expertly prepared and beautifully presented, conveys it effectively and powerfully."" - RANDALL A. POOLE, The College of St. Scholastica
""The essays collected in Stjepan Androi?'s accessible and timely volume all come from the 1880s, the decade during which Solovyov's engagement with the ecclesiastical affairs of his day reached its greatest intensity. This accounts for the consistent focus, thematic unity, and linguistic continuity of the material. The seven pieces anthologized here, despite their generic variety, may be read as a single essay. They certainly have a common theme namely, reconciliation. The reconciliation of the Eastern and Western churches heads the agenda. But Solovyov's ecumenical ecclesiology, while grounded in the Bible and patristic theology, was expansive and developmental. His call for the reconciliation of the churches led him to other missions as well: the reconciliation of Russia with the West, and the reconciliation of historic religiosity with modern secularity. Solovyov has not lost his relevance. He continues to challenge us when we consider how drastically our contemporary ecclesiastical, cultural, and political reality falls short of his hopeful vision."" - PAUL VALLIERE, Butler University
""Solovyov is far more relevant to the twenty-first century than are most thinkers of the twentieth. Suddenly, ecumenism is politics and theocracy (for good or ill) is viable. This excellent collection of translations can help us think in a postliberal fashion about both our past and our future."" - JOHN MILBANK, University of Nottingham
""Vladimir Solovyov is, no doubt, the most important Russian philosopher and lay theologian of the nineteenth century. With this volume, collecting his main theological and church-historical writings, the larger part of his impressive legacy has now become available in English translation. In that respect, this edition completes an informal 'Collected Works' edition. A great feat for international scholarship!"" - EVERT VAN DER ZWEERDE, Radboud University Nijmegen
