Description
The Baton and the Cross offers a fascinating journey through Russia’s religious history, examining the profound influence the Orthodox Church has wielded over Russian society, politics, and culture. Lucy Ash, an accomplished BBC journalist, traces the Church’s evolution from pre-Christian pagan traditions through its emergence as a defining force in Russian civilization.
The narrative spans centuries, revealing how successive rulers have used the Church to consolidate power while the institution itself has navigated periods of suppression, revival, and transformation. Ash explores the Church’s role during key historical moments, including the Soviet era when faith was systematically persecuted, and its resurgence in contemporary Russia where it serves as a cornerstone of national identity under Putin.
Through interviews and historical analysis, Ash illuminates the ongoing tension between spiritual authority and political control, demonstrating how the Orthodox Church continues to shape Russian society while remaining deeply entangled with state interests.
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