RELIGIOUS CULTURE OF CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN YOUTH (BASED ON SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH DATA)

The purpose of this article is to identify the specific features and characteristics of the religious culture of contemporary Russian youth, based on an analysis of sociological research conducted in various regions of the country over the past 15-20 years. The novelty of this article lies, firstly, in defining the concept of "youth religious culture" and considering it as a sphere of culture encompassing all theoretical and practical aspects of religion as a social system; and secondly, in a comprehensive study of the religious culture of contemporary Russian youth. As a result, the research has determined that the religious culture of contemporary Russian youth is primarily shaped by representatives of the two most widespread religious groups in the country - Orthodox Christians and Muslims - who exhibit significant differences in religious worldview andpractices. The specific features of the religious culture of contemporary Russian youth lie in the combination of superficial, inconsistent, distorted, and often vague religious representations of the essence of Orthodoxy with superstitious and occult practices. It is characterized by a focus on solving worldly problems, situational participation in liturgical and ritual actions alongside an internal belief in God, involvement in religious activities, and adherence to traditional Christian rules and rites.