Violent Catechetical Pedagogy as a Conduit for Radicalism Among Orthodox Christian Converts

The trend of neo-traditionalism among converts to Eastern Orthodox Churches in the United States is a well-researched phenomenon that can be observed in idiosyncratic expressions of Orthodoxy unique to a North American context. In this paper, I will highlight pedagogical methods used in Orthodox catechesis which may contribute to these behaviors and ideologies. I will characterize these methods–which rely upon power imbalance, identity fragmentation, social isolation, and cultural hegemony–as pedagogically “violent” using Galtung’s theory of violence as consisting of direct, structural, and cultural dimensions. My analysis of the psychological impact of violent pedagogy draws primarily from Victor Turner’s theory of liminality in conversion, aided by the pedagogical insights of Paulo Freire and bell hooks. I will conclude by suggesting principles of non-violent pedagogy for Orthodox catechesis which may serve to create distance between Orthodox tradition and American neo-traditionalism, and to meet the pastoral needs of individuals drawn to neo-traditionalist ideology.