The Current Condition of the Religious Sphere in Kazakhstan
An Assessment of Trends, Risks, and Challenges
Abstract
This article analyzes the current conditions and trends in the religious space of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It outlines the main challenges and threats in the religious sphere and evaluates the main tendencies. The article draws upon the state policy in the religious sphere as well as upon data gathered from sociological studies conducted in the territory of Kazakhstan. It also analyzes the normative and legal acts regulating the religious sphere of Kazakhstan. It studies the formation of state policy of secular Kazakhstan in the religious sphere, which has been shaped by three factors: the search for and determination of the national development strategy of the country; the challenges and threats of the modern globalizing world; and the rise of the processes of secularism in other states. The article attempts to analyze the results of sociological studies of recent years regarding the risks associated with the erosion of the secular foundations of the state, as well as the issues related to the self-identification of Kazakhstani citizens. In particular, the article provides comprehensive information on the confessional structure of Kazakhstan, as well as separate samples based on the results of sociological studies on religious issues carried out by government agencies.
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