Higher secular theological education in the system of lifelong education in modern Russia

Higher secular theological education is currently in the process of renewal and is facing a whole range of problems. At the moment, it was possible to be implemented at three levels, which allows us to talk about its inclusion in the system of continuing education. The next transformations associated with Russia's refusal of the Bologna system can not only give the expected positive ef-fect, but also cause damage to this type of education. In order to forestall possible negative conse-quences for the further development of continuous theological education in our country, serious studies of existing problems and their causes are needed. In the course of the study, the authors conducted an analytical review of publications on the development of secular theological education as a continuing education in modern socio-cultural conditions. To study and identify the specifics of higher theological education, methods of analysis, comparison, generalization, as well as the dialec-tical method were used. The authors substantiate that higher secular theological education as a social institution of continuing education is a specific subject of management represented as a cumulative one in the face of the state, the church and society. The dialectic of these three subjects on a single basis of higher secular theological education consists in the creation of a social relations management body based on church, legal, and social laws. The task of secular theological education is viewed as a personnel training capable of conducting theological, state and public activities on a scientific basis as a single activity to preserve the spirituality and integrity of the church, state and society. To prepare for the implementation of new reforms in education, it is necessary to study the features of higher secular theological education in the modern conditions of our country. Also, it is imperative to take into account its enormous potential and develop proposals aimed at forming a multi-level, flexible, accessible, open, based on the traditions of Russian culture and education of a new generation for the further development of the system of continuing education.