Dostoevsky: A Theological Engagement

As a writer and prophet Dostoevsky was no academic theologian yet his writings are deeply theological: his life beliefs even his epilepsy all had a role in generating his theology and eschatology. Dostoevskys novels are riven with paradoxes are deeply dialectical and represent a criticism of religion offered in the service of the gospel. In this task he presented a profound understanding and portrait of humanity. Dostoevskys novels chart the movement of the human into death: either the movement through paradox and Christlikeness into Christs cross (a soteriology often characterized by the apophatic negation and self-denial; what we may term the Mark of Abel) leading to salvation and resurrection; or conversely the movement of those who refuse Christs invitation to be redeemed and continue to fall into a self-willed death and a self-generated hell (the Mark of Cain). This eschatology becomes a theological axiom which he unceasingly warned people of in his mature works. Startlingly original stripped of all religious pretence (some prostitutes and criminals might just have a better understanding of salvation than some of the pietistic wealthy and cultured classes) Dostoevsky as a prophet forewarned of the politicized humanistic delusions of the twentieth century: a prophet crying out through the wilderness. This is not just another scholarly exegesis of Dostoevskys theology. Paul Braziers impeccable research clearly puts it in this category. His sharp analytical mind takes in Dostoevskys fiction letters diary even his personal annotations in his copy of the New Testament to explicate Dostoevskys theological anthropology a theology based on the relationship of God to humanity. The portrait of Dostoevsky that emerges from Braziers work through selected anecdotes and dialogues of characters is as well developed and vivid as Dostoevskys own Ivan Karamasov or Raskolnikov. It is a joy to read. --Salwa Khoddam Professor of English Emerita Oklahoma City University Dostoevskys later fiction stares unblinkingly at the true depravity of human life but nonetheless imagines a response shaped by compassion and love. In this he is a remarkably Christian and relentlessly theological author. Paul Brazier does a fine job of sifting and collecting the theological themes in Dostoevskys work and showing us the extent of his understanding of the gospel. --Stephen R. Holmes Head of School of Divinity University of St. Andrews An unusually lucid survey of Dostoevskys major fiction written from a robustly theological perspective this will be a most useful contribution to the study of one of Europes greatest Christian imaginations. There are arguments here that will undoubtedly provoke debate but the discussion is careful and well documented and makes a real contribution to the study of the subject. --Rowan Williams University of Cambridge; author of Dostoevsky: Language Faith and Fiction An independent theologian and scholar living in London P. H. Brazier holds degrees in fine art (BA) education (MPhil) and systematic theology (MA and PhD). He has published widely in theology and philosophy including a five-volume systematic analysis of C. S. Lewiss theology.