Burning Bush

Sergei Bulgakov wrote this theological treatise in 1927 as part of his comprehensive exploration of Sophiology, his distinctive doctrine of divine Wisdom. Written during his years of exile in Paris following the Russian Revolution, the work emerged from Bulgakov's ongoing effort to develop a systematic Orthodox theology that could speak to the modern world while remaining rooted in patristic tradition. The treatise specifically addresses questions of theophany and divine presence, taking Moses' encounter with the burning bush as its central theological symbol.

Bulgakov argues that the burning bush represents the fundamental mystery of God's presence in creation without consuming or destroying it. He develops this theophanic image to explore how divine energy manifests in the material world, drawing on his broader Sophiological framework to explain the relationship between the uncreated and created realms. The work examines how Sophia, divine Wisdom, serves as the mediating principle that allows for genuine divine presence while preserving the integrity of creation. Bulgakov weaves together scriptural exegesis, patristic sources, and philosophical reflection to demonstrate that the burning bush reveals the basic structure of all divine-human encounter. His analysis extends beyond the biblical narrative to address fundamental questions of incarnation, sacramental theology, and the possibility of theosis.

The treatise has remained significant for its sophisticated treatment of divine immanence and transcendence, offering resources for contemporary Orthodox theology and ecumenical dialogue. Bulgakov's creative synthesis of mystical theology and systematic reflection continues to influence discussions of divine presence and creation. Who should read this: Orthodox theologians and students of Eastern Christianity seeking to understand Bulgakov's mature theological system, and scholars of comparative theology interested in Orthodox approaches to theophany and divine-world relationship. This is not suitable for readers unfamiliar with Orthodox theological categories or those seeking devotional rather than systematic theological material.