The Way of Martha and the Way of Mary

"The Way of Martha and the Way of Mary" by Stephen Graham is a reflective work exploring the cultural and religious identity of Russia, written in the early 20th century during a period of significant political upheaval. This book provides an interpretive survey of Eastern Christianity's essence and contrasts it with Western practices, using the biblical figures of Martha and Mary as central motifs to discuss the reconciliation of action and contemplation in faith. At the start of the text, Graham introduces the concept of the divide between the ways of service, represented by Martha, and the path of contemplation, embodied by Mary, suggesting that both are critical to understanding the complexity of faith. He expresses his impressions from travels in Russia, where he reflects on the cultural nuances and deeply rooted spiritual ideals, emphasizing the importance of national character shaped by religion. His journey becomes a quest not just for understanding Russia's religious landscape but also a personal exploration of how these contrasting ways align with broader Christian principles, a theme he weaves throughout his work. The opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of philosophical and theological themes interspersed with real-life anecdotes, creating a tapestry of thought on identity and spirituality in a transformative era for Russia. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Stephen Graham was a British journalist, travel-writer, essayist and novelist. His best-known books recount his travels around pre-revolutionary Russia and his journey to Jerusalem with a group of Russian Christian pilgrims. Most of his works express his sympathy for the poor, for agricultural labourers and for tramps, and his distaste for industrialisation.