Novye Issledovaniâ Tuvy (Mar 2019)
Evangelical Christian (Baptist) communities in the People’s Republic of Tuva (1926-1932)
Abstract
The article analyzes the history of the spread of Baptism in Tuva during the period of the Tuvan People's Republic. The relevance of the study is due to an increase in the activity of contemporary Evangelical Christians (Baptists) in Russia, including Tuva. In terms of both public activity and numbers, Baptists have surpassed Old Believers, which have traditionally been better studied in Tuva. During the post-Soviet years, the community saw a conversion of quite a number of ethnic Tuvans. 1926-1932 was a time of comparative freedom for Evangelical Christians (Baptists) in Tuva. The protestant movement had a well-designed and sustainable structure, which included two religious communities – Azyutsky and Uspensky, wherein Baptists and other groups of Evangelical Christians coexisted well, also finding common ground with Buddhists and Old Believers. However, their relations with Orthodox communities were rather strained. Baptists played a significant role not only in religious but also in the political life of the former Uriankhai krai. By displaying their economic success, they manage to convert even former Red partisans, Communists and Komsomol members. Their preaching had a comparative success among the Tuvan population. The influence Baptists had was largely based on their serious approach to the education of young people. Strict adherence to the religious principles of many generations of Baptists consolidated their reputation as people of word and deed. Young people were instilled with a sense of pride in belonging to the community. Among the population, the Baptists conducted intensive preaching, acting via local “strongholds”. Baptists’ activity in Tuva was suppressed due to enhanced anti-religious struggle and collectivization in the USSR, which spilled over into the Soviet community on the territory of the PRT. New historical sources, including those previously classified (reports of the Department of State Internal Political Security of the PRT, etc.), are now being introduced into scientific circulation.
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