The Problem of Death in the Thought of Vladimir Solovyov

Abstract

This essay looks into the problem of death in the thought of the great Russian philosopher, theologian and mystic Vladimir Sergeyevich Solovyov (1853 - 1900) who in his final work Three Conversations or the Tale of the Antichrist speaks of death as the queen of this world. The fact remains that all living beings on this earth await the same unavoidable end which is death. With this in mind, Solovyov denounces those who remain indifferent to and disinterested in the question of the purpose of life. Furthermore, Solovyov is doubtful while a great number of people today believe that advancement may some day do away with suffering and death. If death in truth means the end, then life and all our moral endeavours shall prove meaningless. In Solovyov's opinion, only faith in the true resurrection conquers pessimism and despair resulting from the sense that human existence lacks purpose, if in fact death marks the definitive end. Three Conversations reflects, in a special way, his faith in God, the Creator of the world, incarnated in Jesus Christ, God-Man, for the redemption of man from sin and death, thus defeating the Antichrist, the incarnation of Evil. Through God's love and man's goodness, life in this world appears as a journey, a passing, which leads beyond - to the eternal life in union with God.