Dyadyushkin A. Pseudoreligion phenomenon: confessional and religious studies identification.

In the dissertation essential particularities of the pseudoreligion phenomenon in the domestic religious studies were discovered for the first time in the religious studies and confessional dimension. The analysis of the functionality of the term "pseudoreligion" in various discourses is performed. The structural and functional particularities of pseudoreligions as social phenomena are investigated. Based on the analysis of the array of scientific material different approaches to the understanding of this concept are identified. It is proved that under pseudoreligion phenomenon phenomenon of social and cultural space should be understood. It is identified through religious self-determination and seemingly formal semblance of religion. Such concepts as "pseudoreligion" and "quasireligion" are differentiated. It is found out that pseudoreligions may exhibit different impacts on society from the positive to the highly destructive on the level of social functioning. The author has examined and analyzed the different approaches and methods of research and description of modern religions that are applied for the purpose of investigation of the base of creation of pseudoreligions. Structural-functional method, comparative method, content analysis method were selected as the key methods. An important role in the research of the phenomenon of pseudoreligions belongs to investigations of various Ukrainian and foreign scientists regarding modern religious movements and organizations. Based on the methodological considerations of investigators in the area of modern religions, the author formed the methodological basis for further investigation of the phenomenon of pseudoreligions. During the investigation the author analyzed the consequences that may arise as a result of the functioning of the pseudoreligious organizations. It is concluded that the pseudoreligious organizations can trigger both positive and negative consequences for modern society. Therefore, the importance of their research is increasing as permits to predict the effects of their functioning.