American Journal Of Philological Sciences
42
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue07 2025
PAGE NO.
42-44
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue07-11
Religious Consciousness as A Determinant of Modern
Socio-Cultural Reality
Baratova Makhbuba Mubinjanovna
Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, State University of world languages of Uzbekistan
Received:
19 May 2025;
Accepted:
15 June 2025;
Published:
17 July 2025
Abstract:
The article examines the role of religious consciousness as an important factor influencing the formation
and transformation of modern socio-cultural reality. The mechanisms of interaction of religious values with
secular tendencies are analyzed, the role of religion in the process of globalization, cultural identity, political
mobilization and the formation of public morality is revealed. The role of religious consciousness in the formation
of modern socio-cultural reality of Uzbekistan is shown - historical, cultural and state-legal aspects of religiosity,
its influence on national identity, moral values and processes of sustainable development. Particular attention is
paid to the interaction of religious and secular principles in education, culture and social policy.
Keywords
: Religious consciousness, socio-cultural reality, determinism, values, identity, culture, religion and
society.
Introduction:
The modern world is characterized by
complex processes: globalization, post-secularity,
multiculturalism,
technological
revolution
with
subsequent digitalization of all spheres of society and
the dominant role of artificial intelligence. Against this
background, religious consciousness continues to
remain
relevant,
despite
the
processes
of
secularization. Moreover, in many regions of the world
it is increasing its influence, forming the worldview,
cultural identity and social activity of people.
Consequently, religious consciousness is an integral
element of the socio-cultural picture of modernity.
METHOD
Determinism (from Latin determinare
–
“to limit, to
outline, to determine”) is a philosophical concept about
the interconnection and mutual determination of all
phenomena and processes, the doctrine of universal
causality. A determinant is a scientific factor or element
that determines a particular phenomenon.
Considering
religious
consciousness
from the
standpoint of its definition and structure, it is necessary
to point out that religious consciousness is a special
type of social consciousness associated with belief in
the supernatural, the sacred, with transcendental ideas
about being. It includes: mythological and dogmatic
attitudes, religious ethics, ritual and cult practice,
collective religious identity.[1]
In the conditions of the 21st century, religious
consciousness is manifested in the following aspects: it
performs the function of identity. Religious
consciousness serves as a powerful tool for cultural and
national identification, especially in societies where
traditions and religion are closely intertwined.
Examples are the Islamic world, Hinduism in India,
Islam in the countries of the East and regions of Asia,
Orthodoxy in Eastern Europe.
Religious consciousness also expresses a reaction to
globalization. In this context, it acts as a support for
stability and identity in the face of globalist pressure. It
promotes resistance to cultural unification and the
protection of national and religious values. As a
function of political mobilization, in many countries
religion is used as an ideological tool in politics. An
important role of religion in the modern world is moral
norms. Despite the secular nature of legislation, it is
religious norms that continue to influence public
morality, attitudes towards life, family, death,
bioethics, etc. [2]
This is manifested in the relationship between religious
consciousness and secularization processes. The
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
43
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
modern world demonstrates a post-secular trend:
despite the spread of science and technology, people
increasingly turn to religion in search of the meaning of
life, spiritual support and moral guidelines. In the West,
this is manifested by a growing interest in Eastern
practices, a return to religious experience. In the
regions of the East and South, this is characterized by
the fact that religion is becoming part of the state
ideology. The global basis is a return to the sacred
through new forms of spirituality.
Religious
consciousness
is
undergoing
a
transformation. Today’s religious consciousness:
adapts to new technologies (online rituals, “digita
l
religion”), interacts with science and philosophy (for
example, bioethics, ecotheology), and is involved in
intercultural dialogue (ecumenism, interfaith forums).
Let us consider the determination of religious
consciousness using historical and modern realities as
an example.
Uzbekistan is a country with deeply rooted religious
traditions, where Islam, as the main religion, has
shaped the worldview of the people for centuries. With
independence, religious consciousness once again took
a significant place in the life of society. At the same
time, the state strives to preserve the secular nature,
ensuring a balance between spirituality, religious
freedom and national security. This makes Uzbekistan
a unique example of the harmonious coexistence of
religious and secular principles within the framework of
modern socio-cultural reality.[3]
Studying religious consciousness in the historical and
cultural context, the following are distinguished: Pre-
Islamic
period:
Tengrianism,
Zoroastrianism,
Buddhism; Islamization (VII-VIII centuries): the spread
of the Hanafi madhhab and Maturidism, the
development of Islamic philosophy (Abu Nasr Forabiy,
Ibn Sina, Bahouddin Naqshband); Soviet period:
repressions against religion, increased secularization;
Post-Soviet era: the revival of spirituality, the
restoration of mosques, madrassas, national religious
values.[4]
The characteristic features of religious consciousness
and its influence on socio-cultural processes in modern
Uzbekistan are determined by: Value guidelines -
religion strengthens such values as: justice, honesty,
respect for parents and elders, modesty, hard work,
mercy and compassion. These values are actively
introduced
into
the
system
of
education,
enlightenment and upbringing of youth.
Justifying the relationship between religion and
identity, it is necessary to point out that Islam in
Uzbekistan is part of national self-consciousness,
determines spiritual traditions, customs, rituals,
promotes social cohesion and patriotism.
State policy and religious consciousness are enshrined
in law. Article 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of
Uzbekistan proclaims: Freedom of conscience is
guaranteed for all. Everyone has the right to profess
any religion or not to profess any. Forced imposition of
religious views is unacceptable.[5]
Article 19 states: In the Republic of Uzbekistan, all
citizens have equal rights and freedoms, are equal
before the law regardless of gender, race, nationality,
language, religion, beliefs, social origin, social status.
Article 75 notes that Religious organizations are
separate from the state and equal before the law. The
state does not interfere in the activities of religious
organizations. The state guarantees freedom of activity
of religious organizations operating in accordance with
the procedure established by law.
The worthy recognition at the international level of
consistent reforms carried out in the religious sphere
testifies to their effectiveness. For example, in 2018, at
the initiative of Uzbekistan, the UN General Assembly
adopt
ed a resolution “Enlightenment and Religious
Tolerance”.
In accordance with the implemented large-scale
reforms to further firmly ensure the right of citizens to
freedom of conscience, on July 5, 2021, a new Law of
the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Freedom of
Conscience
and Religious Organizations” was adopted.
More than 2,300 religious organizations belonging to
16 confessions operate freely in the country, and
representatives of more than 130 nationalities and
ethnic groups live there. The state's creation of the
possibility of education in 7 languages, the
broadcasting of television and radio programs in 12
languages, the publication of newspapers and
magazines in 14 languages, and the free functioning of
155 national cultural centers are a clear example of
interethnic harmony, religious tolerance, and an
atmosphere of mutual understanding. There are 16
religious denominations operating in Uzbekistan: Islam,
Russian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church,
Armenian Apostolic Church, Full Gospel Christian
Center, Church of Evangelical Christians-Baptists,
Seventh-day Adventist Church, New Apostolic Church,
German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Voice of God
Christian Church, Church of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Bible
Society of Uzbekistan, Jewish Religious Community,
Bah
a’i Faith Community, Buddhist Temple, Society for
Krishna Consciousness. [6]
Based on the realities of modern society, the Law of the
Republic of Uzbekistan “On Approval of the Concept of
Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens and State
Policy in the Religious Sphere in the Republic of
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
44
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
Uzbekistan” was adopted. (date of entry into force
-
February 26, 2025). The Concept of Ensuring Freedom
of Conscience of Citizens and State Policy in the
Religious Sphere in the Republic of Uzbekistan defines
the implementation of the right to freedom of
conscience and constitutional provisions that the
Republic of Uzbekistan is a secular state, as well as the
goals, objectives, principles and priority areas of state
policy in the religious sphere. [7]
The constitutional right to freedom of conscience can
be fully realized only in a secular state. A secular state
creates the necessary social environment for respect
and protection, consistent development of religious
values, beliefs. Freedom of conscience is a guaranteed
constitutional right of citizens to profess any religion or
not to profess any; secularism is a system of norms and
views providing for ethics and behavior based on
freedom of conscience, freedom of thought and, in
accordance with the Constitution and laws, on
humanistic values and general interests. The state
monitors religious fanaticism, fundamentalism and
extremism, which oppose genuine spirituality and
tolerance. This monitoring is aimed at combating
radicalization that threatens the rights, freedoms and
legitimate interests of citizens, public health, public
morality, public safety and public order, and preventing
the spread of extremist and terrorist ideas. The state
ensures the establishment of a spirit of reconciliation
and respect, tolerance between citizens professing
different religions or not professing any religion,
religious organizations of different faiths, does not
allow actions aimed at radicalism, extremism,
terrorism, confrontation and exacerbation of various
religious beliefs, violation of harmony between citizens
on this basis, provoking aggression within different
faiths and between other faiths. The task of monitoring
is to carry out activities aimed at the social adaptation
of individuals, especially young people, who have fallen
under the influence of the ideas of radical religious
movements, extremist and terrorist organizations,
ensuring their integration into the atmosphere of
peace and harmony that reigns in society.
Religious consciousness as a factor in sustainable
development is realized in the field of education, where
religious heritage is presented in a scientific and
educational vein. The reflection of the creative ideas of
religion is studied by a number of research centers: the
Center for Islamic Civilization, the Imam Bukhari
International Research Center, the International
Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Imam Maturidi
International Research Center at the International
Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Imam Termizi
International Research Center.
Religious monuments are being restored, Islamic art,
architecture and calligraphy are developing, and works
by Eastern theologians and philosophers are being
published.
In terms of gender issues, it is necessary to indicate that
the Women’s Secondary Specialized Educational
Instit
ution “Khadichai Kubro” and the Women’s
Madrasah Zhuybori Kalon are operating. [8]
In the sphere of prevention, religious consciousness
opposes ideologies of violence, strengthens the moral
foundations of youth through mosques, mahallas, and
cultural centers.
CONCLUSION
Religious consciousness in the modern era is not a relic
of the past, but a living, dynamic mechanism that
actively shapes socio-cultural reality. It determines
values, identity, behavior patterns, and social
structure. Without taking it into account, a full
understanding of modern global processes is
impossible.
In
modern
Uzbekistan,
religious
consciousness performs a multi-layered determining
function, influencing: the formation of a national
mentality, the education of the younger generation,
the strengthening of cultural identity, and the
development of civil society.
While maintaining a secular path of development, the
state skillfully uses the positive potential of religion to
harmonize social relations, achieve sustainable
development, and spiritual revival.
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