Patrick Gordon as a religious type

Abstract

The article analyzes the parameters of religiosity of Patrick Gordon (1635—1699), a Scottish
Catholic and one of the most famous Russian historical figures among foreigners. This article discusses
the Gordon’s moral qualities and levels of his religious motivation in military service and Church
activities, some religious aspects of his social behavior. Gordon is presented in the article as a deeply
committed Christian, who exercises his beliefs directly in the social life. The author attributes the
Gordon’s religiosity to the type of canonical (ideological) religiosity. This type is characterized by
a high degree of emotional saturation, by the intense religious experience, is marked by a regular
participation in the Church life and also by the energetic activities outside of the cult. Simultaneously
the article discredits the myths about the Catholic bigotry and religious intolerance of General Gordon,
about his proclivity to proselytism among the Russians.