In the Trap of Agnosticism: Judas according to Emiliyan Stanev Cover Image

In the Trap of Agnosticism: Judas according to Emiliyan Stanev
In the Trap of Agnosticism: Judas according to Emiliyan Stanev

Author(s): Ewelina Drzewiecka
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History, Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, History of ideas, Theology and Religion, Bulgarian Literature
Published by: Instytut Slawistyki Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Emiliyan Stanev; Judas; Bible; Modernity; agnosticism; ideology; Bulgarian literature;

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the modern sensation of complete enslavement. It offers an in-depth analysis of Emiliyan Stanev’s short story Lazarus and Jesus (Lazar i Isus; 1977) in the context of relevant entries from the author’s diaries. The article centres on the presentation of Judas as a debunker of Christ’s teaching. Stanev presents his vision of a permanent rift between spirit and reason that is not only a clear expression of the tragedy of agnosticism, but also, paradoxically, an indication that the state of ignorance is blessed, albeit impossible to achieve. Stanev’s story can be interpreted as a deeply ambiguous polemic not only with Christian religion understood as an “irrational” truth about transcendence but also with ideology, i.e. a doctrine that promises future happiness but is just as oppressive as formal secular power.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 16
  • Page Range: 438-466
  • Page Count: 29
  • Language: English