MODERN PROBLEMS OF THE FORMATION OF A SECULAR STATE IN KAZAKHSTAN: AFTER 30 YEARS OF GAINING INDEPENDENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52026/2788-5291_2021_66_3_26Keywords:
secular state, relations between government and religion, religious associations, confessions, missionariesAbstract
The article is devoted to the development of government-confessional relations in modern Kazakhstan. The author reveals the main changes in the relations between the government and religious associations that have occurred since the proclamation of Kazakhstan's independence. The government has abandoned the policy of pressure in the sphere of religion; various bans on the activities of religious associations have been lifted. The article also presents the stages of development of state policy in the field of religion. The first stage is characterized by an increase in the number of religious associations and the construction of religious buildings. The law on freedom of religion and religious associations was adopted, which was distinguished by a liberal nature and did not contain prohibitions and restrictions on freedom of religion.
At the next stage of relations between the government and religion, taking into account the need to protect public safety, and was passed a new law on religious activity, which settled the activities of religious associations, the dissemination of religious beliefs, literature, registration of religious associations and missionaries.
The article reveals the classifications of states developed by various authors. Secular, religious, atheistic states are distinguished. The author analyzes the relations between the government and religious associations in foreign countries and presents a classification of states that takes into account various aspects of the ideology of the state, national legislation and the practice of its application in foreign countries.
The author considers various models of secular states. An analysis of government-confessional relations in secular countries showed that each country defines its own model of secularism. In many countries, one or more confessions are supported in the form of financial and other assistance from the state. This policy of these countries is formed taking into account the fact that these confessions have played an important spiritual role in society for a long time, provide significant social assistance to the population, are engaged in educational work among young people, maintain various shelters for the homeless and carry out other charitable projects.
The features of government-confessional relations in the Turkish Republic, the Russian Federation, and European states are revealed.
The model of relations between the government and religious associations in Kazakhstan is revealed. The question of the need for a Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere, including, first of all, issues of secularism is considered.