The Textbooks as instrument for managing the interaction of secular and religious education

The matter of the relationship between the secular and the religious is relevant today because of polyconfessionality of Russian society, the increasing role of religion, the humanistic nature of education, and the right of individuals to gain knowledge of the world from different perspectives. The purpose of the article is to consider issues of management of this relationship by the state. This research is interdisciplinary, with the sociocultural approach as the dominant one. To study and describe possible ways and forms of cooperation between faith-based organizations and government, education authorities, we used methods of study, analysis and interpretation of sources, with a key role played by regulatory documents and statutory decisions concerning development and introduction of new theology subjects and disciplines, textbooks, and methodical literature at all levels — schools, colleges, and universities. Research results allow proving that practical importance of introducing new subjects, textbooks and courses with theological content significantly increased with effective management of relationship between the secular and the religious in education. Religious education in modern society becomes an integral part of education helping develop a high level of culture and improve spiritual growth. Religious culture has high educational potential. Knowledge of foundations of traditional Russian religions promotes understanding, preserves and strengthens inter-ethnic and intercultural relations of all Russian citizens