I thought I should write about the religious scene in Tyumen for a post or two; this means, of course, that I am reliant on second-hand knowledge (except for the pics). Here goes.
Of course, the Russian Orthodox Church dominates the religious landscape, both literally and figuratively. Golden onion domes rise up between the apartment complexes and office buildings in every part of the city, and something like 70-80% of Russians are somewhat associated with the Church, though only a small percentage actually step inside a church building in a decade, (unless for a marriage or some special occasion). Here are some pictures:
How different Protestant services must feel to these people! Plain buildings, complete lack of icons, music that is sung rather than chanted, and some preacher talking in front for a half hour: this must seem so alien. No wonder that protestant denominations that have existed in the west for hundreds of years are looked at as cults here.
No wonder, either, why the protestant church is so small. In a city of a million people, perhaps a few thousand are protestant. There are a couple Baptist churches, some charismatics, a few Methodist congregations, and one lone Presbyterian Church, located at the Cultural Center. I’m sure there are others I don’t know of, but I’m told the Protestant ministerial association has around a dozen members, and represent small and struggling congregations.
Most people in the city are simply atheists or agnostics, and express very little spiritual interest. Apparently there was something like a stirring of interest in spiritual things about ten or twenty years ago, after the oppression of Communism was broken. But now, as incomes increase, and better houses and apartments are built, and western goods flow in, materialism has become the new god. Construction cranes compete with onion domes for the skyline, and the din of the crowded department store drowns out the still, small voice. Spring has not yet arrived in Siberia.
