On the Theological Criterion of Spiritual Deception

Abstract

The article was written on the basis of the master’s thesis «Saints Ignatius (Bryanchaninov) and Theophan Zatvornik on the deception in spiritual life», which was defended at the Moscow Theological Academy. The article reveals the concept of deception mainly on the basis of the teachings of St. Ignatius, reveals the peculiarity of this doctrine, touches on the polemical question of compliance with its ancient patristic tradition. The paper states that the criterion for determining the state of seduction by
external signs is not valid. According to the author, the only possible theological criterion of deception is the mystical-theological criterion, that is, the criterion of spiritual experience. For a novice in ascetic work, such an experience must be the experience of a spiritual leader, and later — his own personal experience.