Early Russian evangelicals (1874-1929) : historical background&hermeneutical tendencies based on I.V. Kargel’s written heritage

Abstract

The author is going to argue that Russian evangelical bodies − Stundists, Baptists, Pashkovites, Mennonite Brethren, and Evangelical Christians − had their origins in Western piety; likewise Molokans − in Russian Orthodox piety. Biblical piety became the key factor which united these otherwise different movements. I. V. Kargel’s life was a crossroad of these influences. Having become a key figure among Russian evangelicals Kargel actually embodied many features of these movements long before they united historically. Thus, his writing would qualify as a good source for studying Russian evangelical hermeneutics. The hypothesis for this study is that since Russian evangelicals were primarily pietistic at their roots, their theological hermeneutic is expected to be of pietistic and devotional nature. This means that Scripture would have prime authority. Personal and group studies of the Bible would be carried with the purpose of believers’ edification. The Holy Spirit would be expected to use the pages of Scripture to speak directly to the believers. There would not be much theologizing but rather a desire to “live Christ” in practical life.