Irrational and Rational Religious in Scientific Cognition

Abstract

In the article, the author reveals the metaphysical systems of the irrational justification for the existence of the supernatural. It is shown that diverse arguments in the protection of the supernatural are based on references to the limited and historical underdevelopment of human practice, the evidence of the presence of uncontrolled and therefore incomprehensible phenomena of nature, society and the human psyche. A characteristic feature of theological cognition is not systematic, but spontaneous, irrational at its basis. The process of cognition for Orthodox theologians involves the domination of faith and the silence of the mind. A similar understanding of the process of cognition and the role of science has changed over time. The logic of the structure of religious consciousness shows that the mind in this process plays only an auxiliary role along with the intuitively gained faith. With this understanding, the role of faith significantly increases and the role of knowledge diminishes and therefore thought of a person, his scientific search is completely ignored. At the same time, the idea that cognitive activity should be focused above all on the comprehension of God is embedded in the consciousness of a person. Under the influence of the growing role of science, theologians began to point out in some questions not only the possible combination of religion with scientific knowledge, but also to prove the beneficial influence of religion on science. In theological understanding, this indicates the leading role of religion in the emergence of science. The task of religion is the knowledge of the supernatural through the suggestion, conviction of people in its reality. Scientific knowledge strives for objective significance and maximum accuracy, excluding all personal and subjective. Religion not only recognizes subjectivism but also brings theological faith and inner experiences to the rank of criteria of truth. Science is characterized by dynamism and development. It relies on rational knowledge. Religion is conservative, static in nature. Its support is irrational consciousness. Science is based on experience. However, the basis of religion is a belief in supernatural, mystical experience. The comparative analysis of scientific and religious knowledge indicates that their purpose, methods and criteria of knowledge are essentially opposite.