Was Dostoevsky a Believer in Christianity?

Nikolai Fedorovich Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a towering figure in Russian literature, and his religious beliefs played a pivotal role in shaping his works. Was Dostoevsky a believer in Christianity? The answer, as you might expect, is yes, with a rather complex and profound belief system that shaped his writing and worldview.

Harold Bloom’s Perspective

Noted literary critic Harold Bloom, in his analysis of The Brothers Karamazov, equated the novel to a form of scripture rather than a novel or a tragedy. He highlighted Dostoevsky’s vast scope, from Genesis to Revelation, with a particular focus on the Book of Job and the Gospel of John. Bloom’s perspective underscores the profound and comprehensive nature of Dostoevsky’s religious beliefs and their impact on his works.

Joseph Frank’s Insights

Similarly, Joseph Frank, a renowned biographer of Dostoevsky, highlighted the conflict between reason and Christian faith in The Brothers Karamazov. According to Frank, Dostoevsky’s preoccupation with this conflict dates back to his earlier work, Notes from Underground. This further affirms Dostoevsky’s deep-seated Christian beliefs and his inclination to explore the complex relationship between faith and reason in his writing.

Dostoevsky’s Devotion

Dostoevsky was an extremely devout Christian. His faith deeply influenced his works, with Christian themes running through all of his major writings. His belief was not just a personal matter but a force that pervaded his literature. This religious devotion extended to his personal life as well, with Dostoevsky reciting the Gospel of Matthew on his deathbed. The line from John 12:24, “Verily verily I say unto you Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone: but if it dies it bringeth forth much fruit,” which is inscribed on his tomb and at the beginning of The Brothers Karamazov, embodies his belief in sacrifice and the promise of redemption and renewal.

The Conflict Between Reason and Faith

However, Dostoevsky’s faith was not naive. He was acutely aware of the doubts and challenges that could be posed to the existence of God. He believed that every problem and every argument against faith needed to be addressed directly and thoroughly. This belief is evident in The Brothers Karamazov, where the novel is beloved by many atheists, including Sigmund Freud, and contains some of the best-written arguments for atheism that exist. Through this controversial and thought-provoking work, Dostoevsky challenged readers to confront the deepest doubts and fears surrounding faith.

Slavic Expression of Christianity

Moreover, Dostoevsky held a unique view that the Slavic peoples, particularly Russians, were the true expression of Christianity, or perhaps the only hope for the future of the faith. This view was rooted in a sense of national identity and ethnocentrism, a stance common in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where national churches were seen as branches or denominations of the broader Christian faith. This belief reflects a deep connection between faith and national identity, a theme that is woven throughout his works.

The Intersection of Religion and Nationalism

The intersection of religion and nationalism in Dostoevsky’s belief system is not unique but rather a reflection of broader Eastern Orthodox traditions. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the idea of national churches as branches or denominations was already established, with Eastern Orthodox churches independent from Rome during the Protestant Reformation. This viewpoint extended to Dostoevsky’s belief that Slavic peoples, especially Russians, were central to the future of Christianity. This belief in the uniqueness of Russian faith was a significant aspect of his worldview and influenced his works deeply.

Conclusion

Nikolai Dostoevsky was indeed a believer in Christianity, not just as a personal faith but as a force that shaped and influenced his literary works. His commitment to exploring faith, doubt, and the complexities of religious belief is a hallmark of his genius as a writer. The Brothers Karamazov, in particular, stands as a testament to his belief, its themes, and the enduring impact of his work on readers and scholars.