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→Doctrinal differences with Orthodox Christianity
One key difference is that of spiritual authority. Orthodoxy acknowledges a Tradition which includes the Bible along with the writings of the Church Fathers and other saints, and which continues to be available through the Church. While the Agni Yoga writings do express admiration for certain aspects of Orthodoxy (the Philokalia, Saint Sergius), these are found separated from the framework of the Church, and incorporated alongside various Eastern religious beliefs into a new superstructure. According to Agni Yoga, the Russian Church is largely corrupt, and no longer offers spiritual solace.
Based on these divergent sources of authority, Agni Yoga and Orthodox Christianity propose radically different theologies. To begin with, Agni Yoga (like Theosophy) affirms the truth of reincarnation, and proposes this to have "originally" (before Origen) been taught by the Church. And where Orthodoxy affirms the centrality and uniqueness of Jesus Christ, Agni Yoga (like Theosophy before it) views Jesus merely as one member of the hierarchy of Masters or Mahatmas. Like Buddha, his putative colleague, Jesus evolved over the course of many lifetimes in order to reach his present station, which we too may ultimately attain. This viewpoint is also reflected in Nikolai's paintings, which exalt numerous Asian religious figures as well as Christ.
The relationship of Christianity to non-Christian religions other than Judaism is a thorny question. That non-Christian writings may reflect spiritual truth is affirmed by the Church's tradition of venerating pagan figures such as Plato, whose image is depicted on the walls of several Athonite monasteries. At least two Orthodox writers have produced sympathetic commentaries on the ''Tao Te Ching,'' on the principle that its author must have glimpsed something of divine truth. On the other hand, the Orthodox presumption is that these prefigure, anticipate, or are completed by the Gospel. The suggestion that the Gospel is incomplete, or equal in merit to the scriptures of other religions and philosophies, would be generally rejected in Orthodox circles.
