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The article discusses how the tsarist government of Russia dealt with the adoption of Buddhism by Buriats in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia. The author suggests that the government regarded Buddhism as a threat due to the possibility it could foster connections between the Buriats and Buddhists in China, Tibet and Mongolia and could hinder the expansion of Russian Orthodoxy among Shamanists in the region. The expansion of the Russian Empire into Siberia and its effect on relations between Russia and China are described. The growth of Russian Buddhism led the Russian government to create the position of Bandido Khambo Lama and to establish suppressive policies regarding religion in the region that emphasized conversion to Russian orthodoxy and missionary work.

The article presents a discussion of the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, and his interest in Russian traditions of Christianity. It focuses on a type of Russian pilgrim known as a "strannik." Tolstoy is described as having mixed feelings about the Russian Orthodox Church, and his literary attacks on what he perceived as its misguided dogmas are noted. This is contrasted with his interest in Russian folk traditions of Christianity, and enthusiasm for those elements of Russian Orthodoxy which he found congenial. Tolstoy's own attempts to emulate the "strannik" ideal are also described.

Examines Russia's culture of icon veneration decades before the 1917 revolution. Debates in the Russian Orthodox Church during that period concerning authority; Role of the laity during the period; Discussion on the issues facing the church.

Examines the religious awakening in 17th century Russia. Revival of the debate on the religion and spirituality of the Russians; Two factions in the debate; Discussion on the nature of Russian Orthodox theology; Popular religion and spirituality; Eschatological doctrines of Russian Orthodoxy.