New Books in Intellectual History John Givens, "The Image of Christ in Russian Literature: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak" (Northern Illinois UP, 2018)
12 snips
Aug 1, 2025 
John Givens, a professor at the University of Rochester and author, dives into the portrayal of Christ in Russian literature through the lenses of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, and Pasternak. He explores apophaticism, revealing how these writers depict Christ by illustrating what He is not. The discussion contrasts Tolstoy's rejection of Christ’s divinity with his moral teachings and highlights the complex interplay of faith and revolution in Bolshevik literature. Givens' insights bridge the gap between Russian texts and English-speaking audiences, offering a profound understanding of their rich themes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Givens' Path to Russian Lit
- John Givens began as an indifferent language student studying journalism but switched to Russian, influenced by a professor's encouragement.
- His journey included study in the Soviet Union and mentorships that led to a deep love of Russian literature and a PhD.
Four Authors' Unique Christ Images
- Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, and Pasternak uniquely image Christ in Russian literature across two centuries.
- Their works illustrate a spectrum of Christ's depiction amid Russia's evolving religious and secular landscapes.
Apophatic Approach Explained
- Apophatic theology emphasizes knowing God by negation, saying what God is not rather than what He is.
- This approach permeates Russian literature's portrayal of Christ, revealing him through who he is not.
