The future of religion as a worldview and a social institution

The article studies the reasons for the modern relevance of the religious worldview and analyzes the current state of and prospects for the transformation of religion under the influence of scientific and technological progress. The research is based on an analysis of works devoted to the study of biological, psychological, mystical, and philosophical foundations of the existence of religion. The authors identified the following fundamental functions of religion in society: ideological, educational, moral, legislatorial functions, legitimization/delegitimization of power, development of institutions of power, therapeutic and transcendental functions, personal development. On the basis of modern research, the article shows current and predicted religions of the future, socio-technological and economic transformations of traditional religions. The paper analyzes the natural causes of the emergence of religion and those human needs that determine its existence. It is argued that one of the fundamental needs fulfilled by religion, both in the past and in the present, is an emotional protection from the fear of death and people’s wish to gain immortality (immortality of the soul). This statement is confirmed by modern studies on the use of the religious worldview in medical institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have shown its effectiveness in creating a sense of security and peace in patients. It contributed to the relief of general anxiety in patients and a better recovery from the disease. The article shows that in order to meet the human need for immortality of the soul, the religions of the future (dataism, digitalism) offer the idea of «digital immortality» and salvation in «digital reality». It is argued that in the future there will be an active unification of scientific and religious worldviews aimed at satisfying the human needs identified in the study. The paper emphasizes the predictability of the emergence, both in modern society and in the future, of various forms of quasi-religions or religion-like activities.