Methodological atheism and theism: The specifics of the approach to studying personal identity at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries

Abstract

Methodological atheism and theism are two theoretical attitudes that allow a more productive approach to teaching religion, theology, and philosophy in schools and universities. Given the complexity of religious faith, its analysis requires a synthesis of the theoretical premises applied within each of these two attitudes. Religion can be cognized through different modes depending on the researcher’s reflexive position. Combining methodological theism and atheism when examining the essence of religion, the main problems of the monotheistic theology, and the development of religious institutions allows the phenomenon of religious faith to be considered within disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. Thus, on the one hand, a theistic perspective must be adopted to access the problems of faith through the believer’s personal experience. On the other hand, once this experience is captured, specific faiths can be considered from the standpoint of methodological atheism, which ensures a more rigorous scientific approach. Applying these recommendations in education will facilitate a more effective formation of personal ‘dominants’, enabling individuals to develop as persons within the educational process.