Existential Sociology as a New Research Perspective in the Reflection on Religiosity of the Orthodox Academic Youth in Belarus

Abstract

The analysis' topic is the existential sociology, its theoretical and empirical implications related to the author's studies of the young peoples' religiosity in Belarus. As sociological studies show, many young people still consider themselves religious, but their relationship with church institutions is built with a sense of freedom. Therefore, we can talk about an increasing individual search of spirituality. This trend is less advanced for young orthodox although they also have consequences on their relationship with the religious institution (the church), the community and their own identity. There might be some links - similarities between attitudes towards religion and the existential approach based on SES-creative orientation which are shown in more "soft forms" of political activism, through personal experiences and actions of a spiritual or symbolic nature.

Keywords

• religion
• belarus
• politics
• existential sociology
• theory and research
• orthodox