The opinion of St. Theophan the Recluse on Protestantism

Abstract

The article analyses the views of St. Theophan, the Recluse (1815-1894), a famous theologian and spiritual writer of the 19th century on Protestantism. The sources for analysis are the sermons of the Church, letters, articles in the journal “Domashnyaya beseda”, etc. Аccording to St. Theophan, the truth of Orthodoxy faith is determined by the principle of succession from the apostles and is characterized by immutability. The Protestants distorted the teaching of the Church with various innovations and updates. St. Theophan also criticizes Protestant Church and historical science, which does not recognize the tradition of the Church.

Keywords

• St. Theophan the Recluse
• the tradition of the Church
• Martin Luther
• Protestantism
• theology