Moral and applied theological issues of the implementation of constitutional freedoms of conscience and religion

Abstract

This review examines the main directions of Konstantin Andreev’s, Candidate of Legal Sciences), analysis of modern Russian legislation on freedom of conscience and religious associations, as well as law enforcement practice in his monograph The right to believe in modern Russia (issues of implementing constitutional freedom of religion), which has become one of the few works on this topical issue. In addition, the review addresses issues that arise at the intersection of several research fields: philosophy, theology and law. The high level of the peer-reviewed research, its relevance, theoretical value, scientific significance, and the interdisciplinary nature of the research are noted. The review considers the impossibility of applying legislation in a unified format to different historical and cultural confessional trends. The author’s point of view regarding the implementation of religious constitutional freedoms is contemplated, and it provides possibilities for polemics with the author on the reasons for difficulties in the implementation of constitutional religious freedoms. The review deals with the problems of terminology and legislative regulation of some aspects of missionary activity in the context of the latest adopted federal regulations. The peculiarities of Andreev’s interpretation of the problem of “religious secrets” are pointed out. The value of the work for representatives of several branches of science is indicated.

Keywords:

religion, freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, state-confessional relations, civil society, administrative law, constitutional law