Semiotic Analysis of Religious Revelation as a Factor of Religious and Cultural Transformation

Introduction. Religious revelation is explored as a factor triggering transformational processes in the existing religious and, subsequently, secular culture. The author set out to analyze the semiotic structure of such a revelation and to identify whether there is a semiotic mechanism that triggers transformational processes. If it exists, what are its specific characteristics? Transformation is by definition associated with the genesis of meanings, which, in turn, are determined by a hierarchy of values. When it comes to religion, it is often difficult for a scientist to stay away from a subjective value judgment. In our opinion, the novelty of this article consists in a detailed description of the "mechanics" of transformational processes, which makes it possible to avoid dealing with the content of a particular religious revelation. The results of our research are relevant because they suggest, firstly, using a semiotic cross-section to analyze the phenomenon of transformation, and, secondly, equipping it with system tools. Methodology and sources . The methodological basis of this research is the semiotic methodology. Religious revelation is considered in the categories of signifier, signified, interpretant (Ogden-Richards triangle), as well as in the categories of sign, semiotic code, semiotic levels (syntagmatics, semantics, pragmatics). The author was greatly influenced by L.F. Chertov's concept of semiotics as a means of constructing and translating meanings. The sacred books of Judaism (Torah, Tanakh) and Christianity (New Testament) were used as sources for the analysis of religious revelation. Results and discussion . The main results of the study are: description of the paradoxical nature of religious revelation; identification of the semiotic nature of the transformational mechanism; identification of the structural level at which it is triggered; identification of the nature of its passionarity; identification of the transformational sequence (change of syntagmatic order – change of values and meanings – change in cultural practice). Conclusion . The main conclusion, according to the author, is the determination of religious revelation as a factor of value, semantic and cultural transformation. In its very structure, revelation necessarily carries transformational potential. Its mechanism becomes visible due to the semiotic approach and methodology.