POST-SOVIET PROTESTANTISM IN RUSSIA IN THE WORKS OF RUSSIAN RESEARCHERS

Yastrzhembsky Sergey

The author considers the phenomenon of "post-Soviet Protestantism" as an integral part of religious life in Russia. The article discusses the results of research by Russian scientists dealing with the problem of the spread of Protestantism in Russia in the post-Soviet period. Based on the analysis of scientific articles, the concept of "Protestantism" is clarified, the stages and directions of development of Russian Protestantism are characterized, and an assessment of the role of Protestantism in modern Russian society is presented. It is proposed to consider Protestantism as a religious trend that professes the Nicene Creed, adheres to the five principles of reform theology, carries out socially useful activities, promotes and observes traditional moral and ethical values. The genesis of Protestantism in Russia covers five periods: Period 1: 1860–1870s. (the beginning of the spread of Baptism in the south of Russia); 2nd period: 1905–1917 (spread of Protestantism in all regions of Russia in legal forms); 3rd period: 1918–1929 (Protestants enjoyed a relatively privileged position); 4 period: 1940s–1980s (persecution, illegal or semi-legal existence of Protestant communities); 5 period: the end of the 90s. 20th century (Distribution and growth of Protestant communities in the post-Soviet period). Modern Protestant churches are actively engaged in social service, charitable activities among social risk groups and the poor. The contribution of the Protestant Church to the preservation and revival of spiritual and moral values, especially family ones, becomes significant.

Keywords:Russia, Russian society, post-Soviet Protestantism, Evangelical Christians.