Religion’s Multifaceted Influence in Modern Society

In the turbulent whirlwind of modern life, religion continues to be a powerful source of spiritual energy, embodying the deep human need to make sense of one’s existence. Originally emerging as a natural answer to existential questions, it not only helps to understand the individual’s place in the world but also shapes moral guidelines, defines personal identity, and lends a quantifiable dimension to interpersonal interactions.

Over time, religious consciousness transforms, acquiring significant social importance. The modern Russian context—where interest in spiritual and cultural values remains ever relevant—demonstrates a steadfast bond between an individual’s inner world and collective traditions. Here, religion appears not merely as a system of beliefs but as a universal moral compass that intertwines personal ambitions with societal norms. This interaction spawns a unique synthesis—a cultural phenomenon in which the spiritual experience becomes an inseparable part of the journey from cradle to grave, permeating every aspect of existence.

At the same time, recent decades have witnessed the emergence of new challenges, as material values and a consumerist cult increasingly conflict with traditional spiritual principles. This clash between external success and inner wealth drives society to seek balance, reminding us of the importance of preserving genuine spiritual benchmarks. In this context, state policy, aiming to minimize the influence of specific denominations, creates a distinctive form of civil religion—a neutral foundation that allows each individual to maintain their spiritual individuality while also becoming part of a unified cultural code.

Thus, modern society regards religion not merely as a religious doctrine, but as a comprehensive philosophy of life that sets the tone for moral and cultural standards. It is a living, dynamic process in which eternal spiritual values stand in opposition to the shifting trends of the material world, calling us toward a more conscious and harmonious existence.
What role do religions play in modern society and culture?
In modern society and culture, religion appears not only as a system of beliefs but also as a profound component of human experience—defining moral guidelines, identity, and methods of interacting with the external world. On one hand, it arises naturally as a response to the human need to connect with something higher, helping to give meaning to life and its goals. As stated in one source, “If, while engaged in cultural activities, a person is filled with the feeling that he is the sole master here and dominates his field with considerable independence, then in this new relationship he experiences complete dependence and sees his existence as being under the sway of another; he faces a more powerful being and experiences it as a personal force that exists for him, speaks to him, and calls him. This new relationship, this higher dimension of human existence, we call religion” (source: 6413.txt, p. 36). This emphasizes that religion is as natural as culture, with both emerging from the deep essence of the human being.

On the other hand, religion plays a significant social role. Contemporary research, for example, shows that in Russian society religion holds an important place: “In modern Russian society, there has been an enormous interest in religion for many years. A subject that had been taboo for decades has been reintroduced into open democratic discussion... only 28.6% of respondents classified themselves as non-believers or indifferent to religion” (source: 548.txt, pp. 20–23). This indicates that the vast majority of people feel a connection to religious values or at least consider them a significant element of personal and public life.

Moreover, religion influences culture by setting the tone for shared moral canons and by contributing to the formation of a holistic way of life that encompasses both individual and collective dimensions. As noted: “Anyone with even a superficial religious consciousness must, from time to time, be disheartened by the discrepancies between his religious views and his way of life... although ‘religion’ and ‘culture’ differ in their essence, there is a perspective from which we can regard religion as the comprehensive way of life of a people—from birth to grave, from morning to night, and even in sleep; and this way of life is also their culture” (source: 6444.txt, p. 200). In this way, religion and culture are intertwined, forming the basis of a person’s spiritual world.

It is also important that religion, in its interaction with secular institutions, assumes specific forms. For example, in a postmodern state there is the concept of civil religion, where state policy strives to minimize the interference of specific denominations while preserving the overall religious sentiment of the people: “The task of the founding fathers was to shield state policy from ecclesiastical interference. Civil religion, without destroying the general religious sentiment, reduced the presence of specific denominations in public life to a minimal, ideologically neutral level” (source: 2615.txt, pp. 45–47).

However, modernity brings new challenges as well. The material world, consumer values, and the formation of new, sometimes pseudo-religious cults (such as the cult of consumption) create a situation in which genuine spiritual values may recede into the background. Critically, it is observed: “Admittedly, one’s external life may impress a frivolous appreciator with its wealth, comforts, and superficial brilliance. But what internal impoverishment of the soul lies beneath all this external, transient, and fleeting glitter! Idols are increasingly displacing Christ from human life” (source: 5022.txt, pp. 9–10). This suggests that the struggle between material success and spiritual fullness remains one of the key issues in today’s cultural space.

In summary, religion in modern society and culture serves a multifaceted role. On one hand, it expresses the deep existential needs of humanity, enabling individuals to comprehend their place in the world; on the other, it influences public life by shaping norms, values, and collective identity, while at the same time confronting the challenges posed by secularization and materialism.

Supporting citation(s):
“…This new relationship, this higher dimension of human existence, we call religion” (source: 6413.txt, p. 36).
“In modern Russian society, there has been an enormous interest in religion… only 28.6% of respondents classified themselves as non-believers or indifferent to religion” (source: 548.txt, pp. 20–23).
“…regard religion as the comprehensive way of life of a people—from birth to grave, from morning to night, and even in sleep; and this way of life is also their culture” (source: 6444.txt, p. 200).
“The task of the founding fathers was to shield state policy from ecclesiastical interference… reduced the presence of specific denominations in public life to a minimal, ideologically neutral level” (source: 2615.txt, pp. 45–47).
“Admittedly, one’s external life may impress a frivolous appreciator with its wealth, comforts, and superficial brilliance… Idols are increasingly displacing Christ from human life” (source: 5022.txt, pp. 9–10).