14) О. Иннокентий.

Moral Theology was the subject of readings by Fr. Innocent in 1833–1835 1250 Only his “introductory lecture” “on Moral Theology”, “Introduction to Moral Theology” and “Moral Anthropology” were published in print (placed in the named anniversary collection). 1251 Question about “asceticism” Fr. Innocent touches very little here. In his opinion, Christian activity cannot exist without mysticism; for its essence is in the depths of the spirit. Asceticism stands on the opposite side, for it deals with the body; and the body stands in opposition to the spirit, in its coarseness, inertness, tangibility, materiality. The spirit requires revitalization, enlightenment; and the body - killing, curbing, fighting. 1252 Asceticism is necessary, because the body opposes the spirit; but the main source of life is the spirit, the heart. Many sects forget this and expect everything from curbing the body, and therefore extend various strictures towards it too far, for example. fasts, which often end in death or incurable diseases. 1253 Ascetics are engaged in material exploits, and therefore make life boring and bitter. 1254 Thus, Fr. By “asceticism,” Innocent means that “bodily exercise,” 1255 about which the Apostle says that it is “of little use.” 1256 But such a concept of “asceticism” is too narrow and is not justified either by the philological meaning of the word or by its history. 1257 The too narrow meaning of the concept of “asceticism” and the unfavorable attitude towards it were probably inspired by Fr. Innocent with his Protestant manuals, of which one, “System der christlichen Moral” (1788 – 1815) by Reinhardt, he himself definitely points to as his manual. 1258 However, further on, Father Innocent calls “asceticism” or “paedeutics” that department of Moral Theology, which treats “the means to fulfill” the duties of a Christian.” 1259 and which resolves the question: “by what means can a person achieve perfection? Consequently, the exact definition of “asceticism” understood by Fr. We don't see Innocent. 1261 See “Collection of lectures by former professors of the Kyiv Spirit. Academy: archim. Innocent, Rev. I. M. Skvortsov, P. S. Avsenev (archim. Feofan) and Y. K Amphiteatrov, published by the Academy on the occasion of its 50th anniversary (1819–69).” Kyiv 1869; see here “biographical note” about Innocent, See "Introduction" to our essay. Regarding this circumstance, see the general comments on Reinhard’s five-volume system. at Prof. A. A. Bronzova “Moral Theology in Russia”, p. 96. It is difficult, however, to say to what extent this shortcoming (as well as other shortcomings) can be attributed to the author himself, since the lectures were compiled “from notes” by “his former students” and were not edited by the professor. See cit. "Collection", page VII.