Abstract

Why look to Orthodox philosophers for narratives of their spiritual journeys? Is there something especially noteworthy about the religious seekings of a philosopher? Surely philosophers are more likely to reflect on the process, making them likely to have more to say about it than most. Yet this pensiveness may derive not only from the spirit of impartial inquiry, but just as much from stubbornness or indecision or a fear of falling into error so strong that it overrides the love of truth itself. Or perhaps it is assumed that philosophers, reputedly more rational and less passion-driven than most, would therefore have something unusually instructive to say about religious matters? But is philosophical rationality really the best vehicle for either finding, or elucidating, religious truth?