Thursday, November 6, 2008

Differences Between Old Believers and Society

There is a pamphlet titled, “Old Russia in Modern America” (1998 revised edition) that offers this account.

...the influence of modern technologies and values of the United States and Canada has led to disobedience of the traditional ways of the Old Believers. Despite a value structure strongly favoring cultural persistence and stability, they have gradually institutionalized practical ideas and elements of modern technologies (e.g. telephones, automobiles, home appliances and even television among some families) into their social structures. In fact, the rate of change and its religious impact on religious life has appalled elders and middle age parents. ...the constant exposure to socio-technological changes taking place in the United States are quite rapid and unsettling. Although the oldest generation of Old Believers attempts to isolate its children from the temptations of technologically developed societies by not allowing television, radio, modern music and contemporary literature at home, and by controlling daily life within the community, elements of contemporary Russian and American cultures penetrates into their system...
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