摘要
In 2000 Russian Orthodox Church adopted“The Basis of Social Concept of Russian Orthodox Church”.Until now the mentioned document remains the only social doctrine officially accepted by any Orthodox Church.The article tries to understand the reasons behind the elaboration of the mentioned doctrine and analyzes its content.The document fails to grasp fully the ongoing processes in the secular society and in the wider world.The present acute social problems,e.g.,unemployment,corruption,public finance embezzlement,are either slightly touched upon or avoided.The approaches towards socio-economic issues are general and broad lacking the necessary insights.The meanings of economic activities are archaic.The doctrine does not negate entrepreneurship and wealth but is critical to the purpose and forms of the economic activity.It is quite odd that there is no analysis of secularity which has seriously undermined the position of the church.The doctrine demonstrates the softer approach towards the wealth-creation criticizes the idle poverty and highlights the position of the church as an opponent of income inequality.Conclusion is that despite the shortcomings,“The Basis of Social Concept of Russian Orthodox Church”is a strategic document,an attempt of the Russian Orthodox Church to define its earthly place within the dynamic modern society.The social doctrine is not finished product but rather a process of thought and lays foundation for the further construction of the social doctrine.
