POST-SECULAR TRENDS IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF MODERN SOCIETIES AND PROSPECTS OF EDUCATION

Abstract

The subject of the article shows post-secular trends in the spiritual life of modern societies and prospects of education modernization. It also offers recommendations about the introduction of the positive experience of leading countries on the issues of cooperation between religious education and upbringing. To begin with, in a post-secular society where religious meanings begin to play a great role in guiding the spiritual life of society, education needs new impulses. In recent years in education gained some experience of usage and inter-confessional communication during preparation of modern specialists.Firstly, components of the moral and esthetic teaching of different confession have to find the full display in studying of the subjects of a social and humanitarian orientation. Especially it concerns Christian ethics which defines the direction to educational practice of education. It can be promoted by obligatory or facultative teaching religious disciplines in educational institutions, but teaching religious courses must be non-confession.Secondly, it’s necessary to refer to the experience of leading countries regarding religious education component including its implications on the civil or patriotic education and research opportunities to approach the main priorities of European education using educational standards and curriculum of future professionals.One should, however, not forget that, nowadays philosophical analysis of religious component of education and its impact on the education process is very important. Religion and culture for thousands of years served not only faith functions, they considerably influenced development of science, education and high spiritual culture. It formed the fundamental basis of educational doctrine, gained considerable potential in the education of the young generation. Furthermore, one should not forget that social changes of recent decades associated with the development of Ukraine as an independent state. The current nature of church-state relations and the free activity of religious organizations gained new development opportunities.Despite the differences in the interaction between the secular and religious education in the European area, there are three groups of countries to determine the role of religious education in general education system. The first group – the lack of such studying at school (France). The second group includes countries where religious education in schools usually state guaranteed (Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland) The third group includes the countries where available non-confessional education (Denmark, UK, Norway).To draw the conclusion, one can say that the phenomenon of civil religion holds a special place in consideration of a religious component of education. The place of religious component in education is quite important at all levels. What is more, we should not forget the basic rule: the basic value of democratic society it’s atheism. Secularism is one of the main factors for providing and guaranteeing liberty of conscience, including an education system, that is a social institute which is the most important aspect of socialization today. Thus, the principle of secularism in the legal framework of the state is a guarantee of autonomy and freedom of everyone to freely make decisions to define themselves in ideological-spiritual sphere without interference of the power factor. A secular state must ensure such a situation, in which no confession, and moreover, no power structure, would not impose someone certain religious-based moral, cultural and spiritual principles, some religious identity.Consequently, pupils and students of educational institutions should have a thorough scientific knowledge of religion, its denominational manifestations, direction, courses, know their history, the basic provisions of their teachings, moral guidance. Knowledge of religion in the education system must provide a «quality intellectual plant» for future professionals. It will help them to express opinions on religious issues freely, including ethical dimensions and effectively carry out work on teaching and educating representative of many faiths.