The modern religious situation: Problems and ways to solve them

Abstract

This study aims to identify ways to adapt religious practices and beliefs to meet the contemporary dynamics of society. For this purpose, the following methods of scientific cognition were used: analysis, comparison, synthesis, deduction, classification, as well as interdisciplinary and systemic approaches. In the course of the research, a comprehensive review of the contemporary religious situation was conducted. The following global trends were revealed and identified: secularism, non-traditional religious movements, demographic, political and economic changes. Through the literature review, the concept of religious variability was formulated, revealing the normativity of change and transformation of religious beliefs and traditions, and a detailed study of traditional and non-traditional movements revealed the relationship between the rise of non-traditional religious beliefs and crises. The study also explored the role and place of digital technologies in the context of religion. This made it possible to determine that traditional religious movements often do not fully utilize the full potential of social networks and the Internet, thus depriving themselves of the opportunity to communicate quickly and effectively with believers, as well as to engage in discussion with representatives of other religions and atheists. The interrelationships between religion, politics, and economics in modern society were identified and a number of problems that follow from these interrelationships were presented: the interference of religion in political processes, which can create divisions in society and undermine the secular principles of the state, while economic crises can cause upheavals in religious communities. Solutions to all the problems identified were proposed, which included educational programmes, digitalization of traditional religious organizations, and the development of effective interreligious dialogue.