Philosophical - Religious Legacy as the Basis for the National Identity and Humanitarian Education of Modern Russia

For centuries, the Russian state existed in close relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church and based on its values. Those values were accepted by the vast majority of the population and became not only religious values but dominated all spheres of social life. Thinkers of early Christianity elaborated the basic concepts of man and society, which later found the reflection in the Russian religious philosophy of the late 19th – early 20th centuries. In the author's view, these religious-philosophical ideas can be seen as the theoretical foundations for maintaining the national cultural identity and humanitarian education in modern-day Russia. Additionally, the philosophical concepts of the Russian spiritual heritage can be used for maintaining a cultural dialogue with representatives of various religions, ethnic and social groups. Identity and education of a contemporary state should be maintained with the help of such dialogue. The author argues that humanitarian education in Russia should be based on the historical experience, traditions, and, at the same time, considers the actual realities of modern society.