“TECHNOLOGICAL ESCHATOLOGY” IN MODERN TRADITIONS OF POPULAR ORTHODOXY AND AMONG THE OLD BELIEVERS OF SIBERIA

This article deals with the way the traditional Christian denominations of the Siberian region (mainly popular Orthodox and Old Believers) adopt to changes in the surrounding world. Particular attention is paid to the phenomenon of “technological eschatology” associated with assigning eschatological significance to technology. The spread of technological innovations, such as new means of transportation and communication, new types of household appliances, etc., are considered by the bearers of traditional religious consciousness as a direct sign of the upcoming or already occurring “last times.” The research is based on materials from the long-term field study by the author and on published works of peasant Old Believer writers. In these sources, the new realities of modern life and especially the advances in science and technology of the 20th century are assessed in terms of Orthodox faith.