THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES IN POST-COMMUNIST SOCIETY

Abstract

In the era of contemporary globalization and socio-political transformations, the role and significance of academic research are growing exponentially. Particularly for post-communist societies that have broken free from the influence of former Soviet ideology and chosen their own path, the issues of religion and belief have transformed into a complex and sensitive domain.

The state atheism policy of the Soviet era restricted religious consciousness and hindered the formation of scientific religious studies. In the post-independence period, however, the spiritual renewal of society and the revival of religious consciousness posed new tasks for academic religious studies. This article comprehensively examines the fundamental importance of academic research, the developmental features of religious studies in the post-communist space, and its benefits and impact on social processes.