Theology at Russian State Universities: Incorporation Problems

S Astapov

doi:10.18502/kss.v3i7.2483

Abstract

Highlights

Selection and Peer-review under the responsibility of the ISPS Convention 2017 Conference Committee.The study of theology was absent at Russian universities and took place at confessional schools exclusively
The first step of theology introduction into state universities was done in 1992, when new education standards of Russia established theology as a discipline of higher school. This act was orientated to International Standard Classification of Education UNESCO which included theology in the list of education disciplines ([3], p. 73)
This fear was presupposed by three ideas: 1. teaching of theology opens access to universities for missioners who will propagandize religious ideas among students; it will be the violation of the federal laws and can be a cause of intolerance, since it can form beliefs of confessional superiority, exclusiveness etc.; 2. providing of the education programs “Theology” at state universities is the preparation of the stuff for the Russian Orthodox Church – one of numerous religious organizations in Russia – on account of the federal budget; it contradicts to principles of the state education politics; 3. studying of theology will lead to dissonance in the world-outlook of students, since theology will form the religious world-outlook contradicting the scientific one: creationism and providentialism versus evolutionism, irrationalism and faith

Summary

Introduction

Selection and Peer-review under the responsibility of the ISPS Convention 2017 Conference Committee. The first step of theology introduction into state universities was done in 1992, when new education standards of Russia established theology as a discipline of higher school. This act was orientated to International Standard Classification of Education UNESCO which included theology in the list of education disciplines The Orthodox theology dominates in the theological education at states universities It takes place at 42 universities (including 36 states universities) in 33 cities: bachelor’s programs – at 35 universities, specialist’s programs – at 15, master’s programs - at 14; 6 universities provide programs of professional retraining in theology, 7 universities – programs of qualification advance, 9 universities offer theology as an optional discipline for students of different education programs [2]. The kinds of these difficulties, the causes of them and possibilities of overcoming will be considered in the article

Confessional Theology at Universities

Development of University Theology

Tasks of Theology Development at State Universities

Conclusion