RELIGIOUS STUDIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN HUMANITARIAN EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the features of the formation of religious studies in modern huma­nitarian education in Ukraine. It is found that with the declaration of independence of Ukraine in the field of religious studies and education, a process of stable growth began. Recently, reform measures in the field of humanitarian education, which are of a nationwide nature and are determined by its external and internal political vectors of development, have slowed down the development of religious studies, which is currently forced to seek new ways of development, proving that the study of religion has an important social and value significance.

The purpose of the article is to study the current problem of the current state and trends in the development of religious studies as a field of humanitarian education in Ukraine.

Research methodology. The study is based on the analysis of modern theoretical concepts of domestic philosophers-religious scholars, who consider the most relevant issues of the formation and trends in the development of religious science and education in Ukraine. To achieve the goals of the study, our own many years of experience in teaching religious studies disciplines and implementing an educational program for training bachelors in religious studies were used.

Scientific novelty. The article reveals that religious studies is an important component of the modern system of humanitarian education in Ukraine. It has significant theoretical and practical achievements and is developing, consolidating efforts to solve the problem of its own self-identification. It is proven that the study of religious studies disciplines in higher education is necessary given the importance of religious values for Ukrainian society and the recognition of significant results of the church's activities for national development.

Conclusions. Religious studies occupies an important place in the system of humanitarian education in Ukraine. It contributes to the formation of a worldview culture of the individual, the develo­pment of critical thinking and intercultural tolerance. In modern Ukrainian society, which is multi-confes­sional and multicultural, knowledge about religion as a socio-cultural phenomenon is a necessary component of general education. The development of religious studies, as well as all humanitarian education in Ukraine, largely depends on the national educational policy and public prestige.