Orthodox theology and its role in the study of the mechanisms of preserving the institution of the family in modern culture

   Introduction. In modern scientific knowledge, the range of disciplines studying the problems of the family institution is quite wide. Orthodox theology, which is included in the list of scientific specialties, also involves the study of family and marriage in its subject field, but in its unique theological aspect. The application of a theological approach to the study of these phenomena allows us to form a more complete picture of this phenomenon in the system of socio-humanitarian knowledge. However, at this stage of the development of theology as a science, it requires scientific research aimed at systematizing and developing its subject field, categorical and methodological apparatus adapted to the conditions and specifics of modern digital culture.

   Materials and methods. This work is a continuation of the research on the issues of spiritual, moral, and civic-patriotic education based on the values of Orthodoxy in the context of modern culture and its specific development, conducted within the framework of the philosophical scientific school existing on the basis of the Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University. The work also uses such research methods as analytical review, analysis, and generalization.

   Results. The paper substantiates the position that the theological analysis of the institution of the family at the present stage of cultural development should be separated into a separate scientific field containing historical, theoretical, methodological and practical research materials. This will allow for a unified systematic study of existing problems in the preservation of traditional family values aimed at the spiritual revival of Russia.

   Discussion and conclusions. The analysis and generalization of the results of the development of Orthodox theology in the study of the Institute of the family has shown that at the present stage there is no allocation of them into a special field of theological knowledge. In this work, proposals have been developed for the development of theoretical, methodological and practical directions in Orthodox theology, which will allow for a unified systematic study of existing problems in the preservation of traditional family values in Russia.

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