Abstract

Introduction. In connection with the acquisition of the status of science by theology, the question arises how to update the internal sources of motivation of the theologian-researcher for scientific activity. One of the motivating factors is the consideration of research activities as a special kind of worship, which consists in an inner aspiration to know the God by approaching the comprehension of ultimate meanings. In this case, research activity is regarded as sacred, which undoubtedly gives the theologian a special impetus to action. Theoretical analysis. The analysis of the philosophical and hermeneutical traditions of Christianity and Islam, studies of philosophers and psychologists, as well as the ideas of traditional philosophers, allows us to conclude that metanoia as a change of mind that shifts the point of view beyond the usual meanings contributes to looking at the world through the prism of the sacred, favoring the return of the sacred into everyday life. Conclusion. Metanoia, which occurs in the course of research activities, is considered as a process of a kind of rebirth of the theologian, opening access to his hidden psychic energy, carrying out a “turn of consciousness” towards the comprehension of sacred truths. The research activity of a theologian is a special kind of scientific creativity, based on the highest metaphysical principles, aimed at restoring and maintaining contact with a living religious tradition through the transmission of primordial traditional values.