Russia has a long history that has shaped its people’s spiritual knowledge and beliefs.  Many factors from Russian Orthodoxy to modern materialism play into the spiritual climate here.  In general, Russians are a people with little spiritual knowledge or background who, while open to discussing these issues, are suspicious of and slow to accept new or life changing ideas.

Spiritual Background

The Russian state has come out of the Soviet era dominated by one religious group, Russian Orthodoxy.  In spite of the radical changes in Russia over the centuries and decades of official atheism, most Russians still identify themselves as Orthodox, but the identification is very nominal.  Despite their claim, most do not attend church or have much idea of what they believe.  The attachment to Orthodoxy is heavily based in nationalism.  Some feel that to be Russian is to be Orthodox, and those who are committed to it find it hard to imagine being anything else.

Although the Russian Orthodox Church is predominant throughout Russia, there are regions where Tibetan Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are very prevalent.  Many Russians see themselves as atheists or agnostics but their interest in spiritual things is nonetheless evident in the fact that most Russians are very superstitious with many believing in magic and even taking an interest in the occult.  Regardless of their religious affiliation, most Russians have a superficial relationship to religion at best.  They become caught up in the rigors of daily life and tend to push aside questions concerning God and eternity.

However, the nominal Orthodoxy, various Eastern religions, and practical atheism, which have been predominant in society for so long, have led to confusion in spiritual matters.  Society as a whole has very little knowledge of what the Bible really teaches.  Many older people know the story of Jesus’ life, but few are familiar with the gospel of salvation through faith.  Many younger people are not even familiar with the story.  There is a general ignorance and even misconception about the Christian message that must continually be fought against.

Receptiveness to the Gospel

Positively, Russians are a people who love discussions.  They are curious about new and different ideas.  They are willing to talk openly about their beliefs and discuss alternatives, and they are willing to listen to what you have to say.  It is still much easier to initiate a conversation with someone in Siberia than it is in much of the West.  In addition, Russians are still interested in people and ideas coming from America, so this has the potential to open doors.

It is interesting to note that despite the Russians’ love of discussing new ideas, most tend to be slow to change their beliefs.  People do not want great changes to the equilibrium in their lives, and there is a strong communal aspect in Russian culture causing people to fear being too different from everyone else.  Furthermore, a history filled with deception has made Russians into a skeptical and disillusioned people.  All of these factors contribute to Russians’ resistance to change.

A related obstacle is the prevailing view that the evangelical church is a cult.  Russians have seen many cults in the years since communism.  Missionaries in the region have heard numerous terrible and unfounded stories about local churches.  There is a general feeling of fear associated with anything related to the evangelical church, and people are further afraid of public opinion if they associate with the church.

Other barriers to the reception of the Gospel include materialism and immorality.  Materialistic thinking exploded after Russia’s reconnection to the West in the early 1990s.  More and more Russians have become so absorbed with status and wealth that they have no time or desire for anything else.  In addition to this is a deadening of the spiritual senses caused by rampant drunkenness, drugs, and abortion, among other things.  Sadly, a growing number of Russians are being consumed by these vices.

Overall, missionaries coming to the field are sure to find many challenges as well as many opportunities in Siberia.  Believers in Russia are in great need of training and are very willing to learn.  Likewise, the church has a great need for examples on how to live the Christian life.  With so many young, hungry Christians, the potential for impact is high.  The work going on right now is at an exciting time as we partner with a dynamic national church to overcome these challenges and reach Russia for Christ.

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