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Dmitry V. Shchedrovitsky is a well-known theologian, poet and
translator, researcher in the realm of Hebraic studies, author of articles on biblical subjects in a number of
encyclopedias and dictionaries, compiler and commentator of educational publications on the history of monotheistic
religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam, editor of the books devoted to the problems of Judeo-Christian
relations. As a poet, D. V. Shchedrovitsky is a successor of classical tradition in Russian literature.
Selections of his poems were published in periodicals (the magazine “Novy Mir,” “Literaturnaya Gazeta”, etc.),
are included in the collections of the best pieces of Russian poetry; to some of them music was composed; a
collections of his poems were also published in a separate editions. The author’s personal archive includes
thousands of poetic works that still await their reader. D. V. Shchedrovitsky is also well known as a translator
of poetry. He is the author of numerous translations of the works of primarily spiritual character that appeared
in different ages and in different countries: Qumran hymns, ancient Hebrew prayers, English and German classical
Christian poetry (collections “English lyrics of the first half of the 17-th century,” “English Sonnet of
the 17–20-th centuries,” etc.), poems by modern foreign authors. D. V. Shchedrovitsky appears on TV and takes
part in radio programs; his theological lectures were broadcasted by a number of radio stations.
From the beginning of the 1990-s, D. V. Shchedrovitsky has been delivering series of lectures on Biblical studies in chief
secular and religious higher educational establishments in Moscow. Such series were delivered by him in Moscow State
University (at the Philological Department within the framework of the University of the History of Cultures), in Moscow
Presbyterian Theological Academy, in Moscow Higher Orthodox Christian School and in St. John Russian Orthodox University,
where he was head of department of Biblical studies. The author’s relying primarily on the text of the Holy Scriptures,
his gift for clear exposition and vast learning, respect for different religious confessions have drawn wide public
attention to his lectures and made them known outside the lecture-halls. These lectures gradually were turned into a
written text. In this way, “Introduction to the Old Testament” came into being, the publication that
stands out as a unique work in Russian religious and cultural tradition. Today the 5th edition of one-volume
comments to "The Pentateuch of Moses" is being issued.
In conclusion, we will quote the words of academician V. N.
Toporov from his review on the first volumes of the “Introduction
to the Old Testament”: “…the appearance in this country of such an
experienced Bible scholar as D. V. Shchedrovitsky is a rare and,
to a certain extent, unexpected luck… My hope is that the author
will have an opportunity to complete this work. If this happens,
we will have every reason to speak about the restoration of Bible
theology in Russia.”
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