Aleksandr Men`’s Concept of ‘Religion’

Almost all of his life Father Aleksandr Men` (1935-1990) lived and worked under the oppressive regime of militant atheism of the Soviet Union. After receiving higher education in biology, Aleksandr studied theology in preparation for the Russian Orthodox priesthood. He spent the remaining thirty years of his life doing pastoral work in several undistinguished villages near Moscow. At the age of 55, he was murdered on the way to the Sunday liturgy. Despite the adverse conditions under which he worked, Fr. Men` developed impressive pastoral and scholarly activity, the important part of which was related to the religions of the world. This study concentrates on his concept of ‘religion’ examined in light of the Catholic Conciliar and Post-Conciliar magisterial teaching. It is argued here that Aleksandr Men` views are generally consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Magisterium. Lukaševičius offers a thorough analysis of Men`’s works, contributing to Christian theology’s further understanding of the complexities of inter-religious dialogue.