Semiotic Analysis of Religious Revelation as a Factor of Religious and Cultural Transformation

Introduction. Religious revelation is explored as a factor triggering transformational processes in the existing religious and, subsequently, secular culture. The author set out to analyze the semiotic structure of such a revelation and to identify whether there is a semiotic mechanism that triggers transformational processes. If it exists, what are its specific characteristics? Transformation is by definition associated with the genesis of meanings, which, in turn, are determined by a hierarchy of values. When it comes to religion, it is often difficult for a scientist to stay away from a subjective value judgment. In our opinion, the novelty of this article consists in a detailed description of the "mechanics" of transformational processes, which makes it possible to avoid dealing with the content of a particular religious revelation. The results of our research are relevant because they suggest, firstly, using a semiotic cross-section to analyze the phenomenon of transformation, and, secondly, equipping it with system tools. Methodology and sources. The methodological basis of this research is the semiotic methodology. Religious revelation is considered in the categories of signifier, signified, interpretant (Ogden-Richards triangle), as well as in the categories of sign, semiotic code, semiotic levels (syntagmatics, semantics, pragmatics). The author was greatly influenced by L.F. Chertov's concept of semiotics as a means of constructing and translating meanings. The sacred books of Judaism (Torah, Tanakh) and Christianity (New Testament) were used as sources for the analysis of religious revelation. Results and discussion. The main results of the study are: description of the paradoxical nature of religious revelation; identification of the semiotic nature of the transformational mechanism; identification of the structural level at which it is triggered; identification of the nature of its passionarity; identification of the transformational sequence (change of syntagmatic order – change of values and meanings – change in cultural practice). Conclusion. The main conclusion, according to the author, is the determination of religious revelation as a factor of value, semantic and cultural transformation. In its very structure, revelation necessarily carries transformational potential. Its mechanism becomes visible due to the semiotic approach and methodology.

Authors: Vsevolod A. Pogasiy

Direction: Philosophy

Keywords: religious revelation, semiotic structure, semiotic mechanism, semiotic rule, religious code, hierophanic code

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