The role of scientific knowledge in conducting religious studies expertise: history and modernity

The aim of the study is to identify the historical dynamics of the relationship between the positions of a scholar of religion and an expert in religion in the context of the development of religious studies expertise in the Russian security system. The paper examines the historical dynamics of the relationship between the positions of a scholar of religion and an expert in religion. It highlights key issues in the discussion regarding the criteria for recognizing experts in religion as having relevant competencies and experience in the academic and/or legal fields, as well as the ethical component of candidates' own religious experience. The historical and genetic method provides a description of the general components of an expert's work, changing institutional and political conditions at different stages of the development of religious studies expertise in post-Soviet Russia. The concept of securitization explains the reference position of the state and society in the face of religious threats that require expert assessment and legal regulation. The role of a religious scholar in ensuring security is outlined, consisting in facilitating the securitization of non-traditional religious manifestations. The study reveals a tendency to shift the role of an expert in religious studies to the field of consulting. Organizational and legal issues, expressed in the lack of state certification of an expert in religious studies, and financial restrictions of state institutions provoke an appeal to insufficiently competent specialists. Persons who do not have religious studies knowledge, professional experience and skills in issuing an expert opinion, but who meet only formal requirements, are legitimized as experts in religious studies. Methodological difficulties are based on procedural disagreements between experts in religious studies and lawyers, reflecting formal requirements for some and strict rules for others. Difficulties arise when including controversial data from a scientific discussion of an issue, within the framework of which various interpretations have been formed, depending on the research position and scientific interest of the scholar in religious studies, in the legal field. Reducing the emerging gap between the academic component and legal practice in religious studies expertise will contribute to obtaining high-quality results, the use of which will lead to the optimization of religious-state relations and increased security.