The Content and Functioning of the Concept of "Individual" in Modern Orthodox Theological Anthropology

In modern Orthodox theological anthropology, the identification of the concept of “person” with that of “reasonable individual” together with the understanding of reflexive consciousness as a necessary attribute of a person are highlighted as prerequisites for the development and spread of individualistic worldview trends. Moreover, the main forms of individualistic isolation are characterized here as destructive both for society and for every person. In addition, the article reveals the deep kinship of the individualistic and pantheistic worldviews, which consists in the perception of person as a being who is entirely reducible to his or her natural content. Further, the main aspects of opposing the concept of “individual”, defined through natural features, to the concept of “person”, presupposing an extra-natural personal relatedness, are examined. It is shown that in contrast to the concept of “person”, the concept of “individual” does not allow us to express freedom, uniqueness, and openness of a person in the fullness that is required by the biblical Revelation, as well as Trinitarian theology and Christology. The final part of the article focuses on the theological understanding of the Church life, in which a Christian overcomes his or her individual limitations and switches from an individualistic to a personal way of being.