The Origins of Religion

Protopriest Alexander Men is an outstanding figure of the Russian Orthodox Church, a preacher, theologian, educator, and author of dozens of books on the history of religion, the foundations of Christian doctrine, and Orthodox worship. This book opens the author's series "In Search of the Way, the Truth, and the Life," dedicated to the prehistory of Christianity and the search for God. Written by a Christian, it is still aimed at the broadest reading audience interested in an unbiased approach to religious tradition. Extensive knowledge, accessibility of presentation, and a trustful conversation with the reader are qualities that make Alexander Men’s work still relevant today. "Christian culture has existed for two millennia, but its prehistory goes back in time immeasurably further. The subtle connections and repulsions between Christian and pre-Christian spirituality are topics that evoke the most lively interest; and this is natural. So what to read? ⟨…⟩ But here we have a popular work addressed to a wide audience that fills the created gap, responding to needs that have not yet been met" (Sergey Averintsev).