Zinaida Gippius and “Christian Infatuation”

This chapter examines Zinaida Gippius's unique contributions to the discourse on sexuality within the context of Russian Silver Age thought. It highlights how Gippius, informed by Orthodox Christian theology and the philosophical ideals of the era, challenges binaries of materialism and asceticism by advocating for a synthesis of the spiritual and the material. Her vision of love as a transcendent, transformative force critiques secular reductionism and traditional religious constraints alike, emphasizing liberated, chaste love that preserves individuality and fosters divine connection. Through her writings and personal experiences, Gippius explores “Christian infatuation,” redefining sexuality as a mysterious, evolving pursuit rather than a definitive act. Finally, the chapter underscores how Gippius's work reflects a broader Silver Age effort to reconcile modernity with spiritual depth, reshaping conceptions of relationships and human identity.