Theology of Creation in the Bulgarian Theology of the 20th Century

Authors

Svetoslav Ribolov, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"Follow

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0009-7323-2666

Abstract

Theology of Creation in 20th-century Bulgaria emerged within the broader debate about the role of religious education in state schools and the tension between the prevailing influence of evolutionary theory and a scientific approach to the Orthodox Church’s traditional spiritual heritage. Before World War 2, the primary social and intellectual motivation behind the Theology of Creation in Bulgaria was rooted in an apologetic struggle against secular ideas, which were embraced by a significant portion of Bulgarian society at the time. In the second half of the 20th century, however, this discourse gradually evolved to incorporate more denominationally oriented theological perspectives, drawing on a revitalized Eastern Orthodox cultural and spiritual heritage. This shift provided a foundation for strong theoretical arguments supporting a form of realistic Creationism, framed within the specific context of Orthodox tradition. Unfortunately, with the renewed debate on religious education in state schools in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the long-dormant discussion about the compatibility of Scripture and Science resurfaced, leading to an unproductive exchange. Most arguments from both sides have been characterized by unscientific or semi-scientific positions, with each side favouring extreme rejection of the other rather than fostering a creative dialogue or seeking common ground.

Recommended Citation

Ribolov, Svetoslav (2025) "Theology of Creation in the Bulgarian Theology of the 20th Century," Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 45 : Iss. 1 , Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2583
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol45/iss1/6