The Combination of Educational and Upbringing Components in Modern Spiritual Education

Materials of the All-Russian Pokrovsky Academic Scientific and Theological Conference «The Revival of Spiritual Education: History and Results of an 80-Year Journey» (MDA, 11 October 2024)

Abstract

The article examines the problem of the interaction between the educational and upbringing processes in modern theological schools of the Russian Orthodox Church. The historical path of spiritual education over the past 80 years is analyzed: from the period of survival in conditions of external persecution to the stage of forming a “flourishing complexity” and integration into the modern educational space. The key systemic problems of the current stage are identified: a decrease in the level of applicants’ preparation, delayed socialization of students, the gap between the spheres of teaching and upbringing, the substitution of active service with formal loyalty, and the loss of the skill of thoughtful reading. Based on the data of social psychology, group dynamics in the student environment and the role of leadership in the learning process are analyzed. Practical recommendations for adjusting the educational‑upbringing process are proposed, aimed at protecting and supporting intellectually gifted students, overcoming formalism, and consolidating the efforts of the teaching and educational staff. The research methods include historical‑retrospective analysis, synthesis, and sociological and pedagogical observation.