Psychology of Religion in Russia: On the Way to Self-determination

Abstract

The author outlines his concept of the historical development of psychology of religion in Russia and articulates the current tasks of this scientific field. He focuses on the recent formation of topical areas and methodological orientations in Russian psychology of religion and the processes of self-identification and consolidation of researchers that have launched as well. Two following two theses are put forward: the history of psychology of religion in Russia is (1) more determined by external factors than by internal ones and 2) is more relevant to the history of religious studies than to psychology. The historically conditioned and varying “scientific attitude toward religion” is proposed as a criterion for the periodization of the historical development of psychology of religion in Russia. According to this criterion, three developmental stages are distinguished: 1) Psychologization of religion (from 1860—1870 to 1918 — early 1920s); 2) Ideological struggle against religion (from the 1920s to 1991); 3) Dialogue with religion (from 1990 to the present). The author argues that now the fundamental historical task for Russian psychology of religion is to constitute its own identity within the Russian academic community, and, subsequently, in the world science. In addition, the particular tasks are formulated: to differentiate the psychology of religion from Christian psychology; to formulate consistent research programs; to make an inventory of productive ideas and concepts in Russian psychology in order to apply them to contemporary studies of the religious mind; to overcome isolation and to join the international scientific discourse; to design the public request for research in the psychology of religion; to continue further consolidation of Russian psychologists of religion; to promote the psychology of religion within the psychological academic community in Russia.