Proselytism and proselytizing activities: assessment and perception in the public consciousness of Dagestan youth

Abstract

The religious sphere is one of the most difficult and the situation in it has a noticeable impact on other social spheres. As you know, atheism was the dominant ideology in Soviet society, but the situation in the confessional field changed dramatically with the proclamation in the late 80s of the last century of the principles of glasnost and democracy, liberal values, which, as the current situation in Russia shows, had more negative consequences than positive ones. From one extreme - the prohibition of religion and the proclamation of atheistic ideology - they moved to the other - the complete disregard of the processes taking place in the religious sphere. Naturally, this led to the rapid filling of the resulting vacuum with religious ideology, moreover, it can be argued that the confessional sphere began its "autonomous" functioning, not obeying secular laws. The article examines proselytism and attitudes towards it: the author's hypothesis suggests that proselytizing activities contribute to the formation of principles of religious tolerance in the mass consciousness. Empirical material testifies to the existence in the public consciousness of the overwhelming majority of the younger generation of Dagestanis of a positive attitude towards cohabitation with followers of another creed, while the transition to another creed dominates in terms of the totality of positions. In addition, a positive perception of proselytism prevails, with substantial arguments about the need to implement it without pressure and aggressive policies.