Theoretical aspects of studying religious identity

The paper deals with the methodological problem of studying religious identity being a multi-dimensional phenomenon. In modern society, the development of religious identity is regarded as a pivotal theoretical and practical challenge that should be met to develop spiritual and moral potential, social and political, spiritual attitudes of contemporary society. The research identifies the main theoretical approaches to studying religious identity: theological, religious, philosophical, sociological, discursive, psychological, social and psychological ones. The specific nature of these approaches is analyzed. The author presents the original concept of religious identity from the perspective of the social and psychological approach. The study demonstrates that religious identity is influenced by religion as a component of ethnic culture and religious worldview that updates the self-identification process and changes the values and personal characteristics of citizens.