Discussions of religious issues are often focused on Orthodoxy, since in the Orthodox tradition there is no prohibition on raising hot topics and asking difficult questions, even if the answers are sometimes reached only through trial and error.

Open Dialogue in Orthodox Theology

Discussions of religious issues are often focused on Orthodoxy, since in the Orthodox tradition there is no prohibition on raising hot topics and asking difficult questions, even if the answers are sometimes reached only through trial and error. As noted, “In Orthodoxy there are no taboo subjects; on the contrary, the most pressing questions must not be silenced” – such openness contributes to the active discussion of the challenges and internal issues of church life (source: link txt). This position contrasts with approaches in other directions, where issues are either ideologically lagging or the discussions barely address the key problems.

Furthermore, a critical attitude toward certain manifestations of atheism, such as “reactionary atheism, bourgeois atheism” – described as atheism without a spark, without love, and consequently without hope – paints a picture of why this topic also tends to be less discussed. It is seen as lacking the intrinsic energy to be the subject of lively and deep debates (source: link txt). At the same time, issues related to Islam are often presented through a negative lens, with its phenomenon linked to the spiritual influence of evil. According to the author, this provides grounds for a critical attitude, but not for thorough discussions characterized by the same depth and historical tradition as Orthodoxy (source: link txt).

Thus, the focus on Orthodox discussions stems from its historically established tradition of open dialogue and active search for answers to current issues, while matters related to atheism, Islam, and Judaism often occupy a peripheral position – either due to their specific ideological contours or the socio-political climate that does not favor such detailed internal debates.

Supporting citation(s):
“We believe that in Orthodoxy there are no taboo subjects; on the contrary, the most pressing questions must not be silenced. Where silence prevails, speculations gain strength. An unanswered question is generally answered by the enemy of the human race... This is one aspect of Church life. It is precisely in this way that Orthodox theology was born and flourished.” (source: link txt)

“But nothing can be done with reactionary atheism, with bourgeois atheism. Nothing can be expected from reactionary atheism or bourgeois atheism; there is nothing to hope for with it. It is atheism without a spark that will never ignite or flare up. It is atheism without love, even without a counterfeit, a fake love.” (source: link txt)

“In 2001, Western human rights activists...

Therefore, how do we approach Islam, the world of Islam?