ALTRUISM: SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS ASPECTS

Abstract

The article presents the results of the investigation of the essence of altruism through the prism of religion as an integral part of spirituality. Here are presented scientific views about spiritual and religious aspects in the research of altruistic behavior of people. Based on the fact that modern societies, for whom material well-being and consumption have become the highest good, comes to the fore the problem of deficiency of spiritual manifestations and high morality, humanity and selfless help to others. Therefore, in the scientific community, as never before, there is an urgent need to study the "eternal" topic of spirituality, subjective well-being of the personality, expression of her spiritual and ethical qualities, manifestations of personality altruistic behavior in relation to the surrounding world. The growing interest in altruism and its manifestation in spiritual and religious life is the basis for investigation of the scientific works of thinkers and scientists of different periods. Spirituality and religionism, which are often perceived as identical and interchangeable concepts, are actually different. Spirituality is related to the personal search for the meaning of life. Religion refers to an organized social institution, focused on supreme forces and conducts rituals and various practices. It has been established that spiritual and ethical qualities are included: kindness; mercy; compassion; forgiveness; humility, honesty, generosity etc. These qualities are obviously connected with religiosity, with empathy and wisdom and life-affirming meanings. This list doesn't include altruism due to insufficient study of this topic. "Where does altruism, as a phenomenon of the spirit, come out of a person?" The answer to this question can be found in two opposite directions: biological and cultural, which are briefly described in the article. Сultural altruism becomes possible in a community that focuses on spiritual values or in religious cooperation. In this context, emphasis is made on the fundamental work "Culture and Ethics" by A. Schweitzer, which is an example of service to humanity. Valuable in the religious aspect is D. Johnson's hypothesis, which provides an explanation of the evolutionary significance of religion and the manifestation of altruism through the prism of supernatural punishment. Important for the understanding and interpretation of religious altruism became the interpretation of these concepts: religion, religiosity, appeal to religion, as well as interpretation of the concept of altruism and the derived term "altruistic behavior". It is classified as one of the forms of prosocial behavior, when concern for the welfare of others is shown without expecting a reward. An example of prosocial activity is the professional activity of a churchman. This article focuses on personal qualities and activities of a religious figure and indicates his altruistic behavior in his own inner spiritual growth and constant service to the religious cult. The scientific ınvestıgatıon was conducted and became the basis for further research, also identified directions and determined the importance and depth of this problem.