Young Russians consider Christian values to be basic for the nation’s development

[Ioannis]

Why can't the rest of Europe feel this way?

Young Russians consider Christian values to be basic for the nation’s development - survey

Moscow, October 3, Interfax - Most young Russians think that faith in God belongs to the basic national values, the Pitirim Sorokin Sociological Foundation specialists conclude after surveying students in Moscow and other Russia’s regions.

‘The modern Russian youth see ‘Christian factor’ as not only a moral value but also a citizenship-consolidating factor,’ the survey report, received by Interfax on Wednesday, said.

The sociologists worked with focus-groups and surveyed university students and youth NGO members in Moscow and other Russian cities. Most respondents called moral values as preached by the Orthodox Church to be ‘basic for Russia’s national development,’ the report said.

Both conservative and liberal young people positively viewed the Orthodox culture. For instance, those called ‘traditionalists’ in the survey ‘appealed to the Orthodox values as they see them intrinsic for Russia’s uniqueness, special historical role, and perspectives of national self-understanding.’

On the other hand, ‘liberal’ youth ‘see in Christian character of values in Russia a basis for her commonness with the West,’ the report adds.

‘The Orthodox faith could become a basis of unity for the Russian society,’ many focus-groups said. It provides a uniting ground for young citizens of various ideological beliefs to elaborate some common positions and views,’ the sociologists opined.

Meanwhile many even non-religious respondents expressed their loyal attitude to the Russian Orthodox Church saying she ‘cannot do any harm.’ According to them, the church ‘as a model of moral ideal is pretty helpful for the society.’

The respondents believe that the church should be more active realizing her social policies such as helping parentless, homeless, and disabled people.