RELIGIOUS SECURITY/DANGER: OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS IN THE SPHERE OF STATE-CHURCH RELATIONS

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of “religious security/danger” in the context of church-state relations, focusing on the problems, opportunities and risks in this area. Attention is drawn to the peculiarities of the problem of security/danger in mytho-religious ideas, which reflected the desire of people to find meaning and order in a world in which there were both positive and negative aspects of life, manifested through a dualistic approach, where there are forces that protect and ensure stability and forces that pose threats and destruction. It is noted that the problem of religious security is monitored in the interaction and cooperation between the state and the church, which covers a set of various relations that manifests itself at the personal, interpersonal, institutional and state-legal levels. It is noted that religious security in the context of church-state relations should include such components as preventive measures and the development of a system for countering dangers. The author emphasizes that church-state relations are an important component of ensuring the national security of Ukraine, contributing to stability, social harmony, protection from external influence, support for national identity and prevention of religious radicalization. At the same time, the interaction between the state and religious organizations should be balanced and take into account both opportunities for the development of society and potential risks. The state policy in the field of church-state relations should be aimed at ensuring religious freedom, supporting interreligious dialogue, preventing extremism and promoting social stability. It is emphasized that this is the only way to achieve partnerships that will contribute to the development of a democratic and tolerant society.