Mission confessions №11 2015

Content 

The article covers some aspects pertaining to the history and methodological foundations of the study of the Oriental philosophy and culture in St. Petersburg State University. The article concentrates on the educational and research activities of the School of Oriental Philosophy and Culture Studies of the Institute of Philosophy, St. Petersburg State University. This institution was the first educational and research body concentrated mainly on the issues of philosophy and culture rather than languages and history.

Keywords: Department of Oriental Philosophy and Cultural Studies, education, university, culture, religion, philosophy, oriental languages.

The problem of freedom is the main question in the European culture. The search for individual freedom leads to the desire of changing the environment while saving yourself, and, as a consequence, to the horror of death. Having chosen this path, the European society collapsed. “Such as we are, we stink, because [we are] imbued with egoism, masochism and death. We have created a system in which life is impossible,” writes M. Houellebecq. But there is another way. We believe that freedom is not separation, but unity, in peace, with the loved ones, with the nation. This path has always belonged to Russia. So what are we going to choose today?

Keywords: freedom, death, Russia, unity, nation, responsibility, European civilization.

In the article the author raises the question of statehood and the problems of constitutional transformation of the society, based on the understanding of historical identity and national consciousness of Russian citizens.

Keywords: cultural and legal heritage, national traditions, spirituality, Orthodoxy, sovereignty and national dignity.

In the article, the author describes a model, in which a religious complex appears in the status not only of the subject, but also of such categories as “Being” and “I”. With this purpose in mind, the author uses a philosophical and theological approach, the so-called “Concept of the constructing model of Genesis”. The place and essence of such notions as “religious factor” and “the sacral” are pondered on.

Keywords: philosophy of religion, theology, approach, model, teleology, religious complex, religious factor, the sacral.

Chronologically, the article covers the pre-Soviet period of Russian history. The issue of religious policy is most relevant in the context of the mechanisms of formation of the Russian territorial and civilizational space, as well as contemporary issues of security of Russia and its territorial integrity. No one disputes the modern religious revival in the North Caucasus, as well, on the whole south of Russia and in its other regions. Religion also includes a dividing potential. This is particularly evident today in the «hot spots» of the planet. There are not any extreme hazards in the North Caucasus, but there is a tendency to contradictions. Russia has accumulated centuries-old experience of coexistence of religions and cultures. It is necessary to communicate and study it in order not to be defenseless against attempts to destabilize the situation.

Keywords: religious politics, religion, the North Caucasus, the pre-Soviet period, the history of religious policy.

The formation of students’ fraternity was complicated in many ways. This process was reflected by the relationship between university education and religious institutions. The Church in Europe acted as a founder of the University, and as a patron of scholars. Thus, revered saints of the Church became patrons of students, and their patron saints’ days have become holidays to students. These traditions are still preserved.

Keywords: public religion, university, students, patron saint, festival.