The gnosiological aspect of religion

• Main Author: Alexey Igorevich Ivanenko
• Format: Article
• Language: deu
• Published: Theological Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria (Saint-Petersburg, Russia), 2020-08-01
• Series: Религия, церковь, общество
• Subjects: religion; gnosiology; truth
• Online Access: http://rcs-almanac.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2013_IvanenkoAI.pdf

The article is devoted to epistemological aspects of religion. Following Hegel, the author maintains that religion in one of spiritual form as well as art and science. This method allows to keep distance between clericalism and atheism. Extreme positions are the following: religion is the only expression of truth; religion is a false form of consciousness. The first position denies rational investigation of religion. The second position denies the object of investigation. On the base of contradiction between science and religion, the author maintains that religion has non-scientific truth, which suggest other form of verification. Religion expresses itself in faith and worship, but more necessary are its moral components, which are based on so called Revelation. However, religion is not only moral teaching. But moral component is a normative foundation of society, culture and civilization, which can be studies rationally. Law bases on normative foundation and regulates connection between people. Religious truth has civil aspect, because of question of access to cultural monuments and of mass celebrations. Religious truth correlates with cultural effects, which it expresses. This truth can make a difference between churches and sects.