There is a very affecting scene at the end of Turgenev’s mid-nineteenth century novel, Fathers and Sons, when Bazarov, the resolute young atheist who dominates the book, is dying of typhus and his father begs him to receive the Last Rites of the Orthodox Church in order to “give your mother and myself some consolation”. Bazarov’s parents reflect the old Russia of icons, sacred rituals and belief in God; their only son, a brilliant young scientist, exemplifies the increasing belief in science and progress that regarded religious traditions as superstitions destined to come to an end.
3:18 PM
Why the Soviet Union failed to eradicate religion
there is a very affecting scene at the end of turgenev’s mid-nineteenth century novel, fathers and sons, when bazarov, the resolute young at...
Francis Phillips
3 min read
Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine
subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe
