Secularization as a Social-Philosophical Problem

Michael CHERENKOV

Authors

Michael CHERENKOV He graduated from the history faculty of Donets National University with a master’s degree in social philosophy and the philosophy of history., Ukraine

Keywords:

Secularization, secularists and fundamentalists, democracy is based on Christian foundations and is doomed to self-destruction by secularization, secularization could lead to new forms of totalitarianism, including the establishment of theocratic regimes

Abstract

Secularization is of concern not only to theologians; the crisis has captured the interest of social and political philosophers. If Western theologians and advocates of liberal democracy remain optimistic and are attempting to rethink Christian proclamation and find adequate solutions to the challenges of a godless world, then Orthodox theologians and representatives of conservative thought are more pessimistic and see the only solution in a return to the ideals of the past. Democracy is based on Christian foundations and is doomed to self-destruction by secularization. Several consequences of secularization can be predicted. The introduction of secular ideas into social practice could lead to Christianity’s dissolution into religious pluralism and the loss of its status as the “center” of European culture and civilization. The realm of religion could be reduced to the merely social, finding its expression in civil religion (as in the USA). The opposition of secularists and fundamentalists could be accompanied by the escalation of tension, expressing itself in a “conflict of civilizations” on religious grounds. A conservative revolution as a radical means of halting secularization could lead to new forms of totalitarianism, including the establishment of theocratic regimes

Author Biography

Michael CHERENKOV, He graduated from the history faculty of Donets National University with a master’s degree in social philosophy and the philosophy of history.

Cherenkov, Michael Nikolaevich – vice-president for education and communication, Association for Spiritual Renewal (Moscow). He has taught in many Christian schools throughout the CIS. He is the author of more than 100 articles in theological and scientific publications. He is a consultant-analyst for the magazine Decision. He graduated from the history faculty of Donets National University with a master’s degree in social philosophy and the philosophy of history. He is currently pursuing his doctorate. He is married and has a daughter

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