Definition and Interpretation of the Concept of Spiritual Modernization

Spiritual modernization is a new type of modernization. There is no definite understanding of this phenomenon in science. This article defines and interprets the concept of spiritual modernization. The goal of this research is to find spiritual modernization, its components, and its indicators from the point of view of experts. Individual profound interviews with 28 experts in the fields of social sciences and humanities were conducted with selected members from the southern regions of Kazakhstan: Almaty, Shymkent, Zhambyl region, Turkestan region, and Kyzylorda region. Participants identified spiritual modernization, including its formulation, components, indicators, and the distinction between spiritual modernization and spirituality. The study identified eight subtypes of the formulation, four components, and three indicators of spiritual modernization. Many participants responded that spiritual modernization and spirituality are different from each other. It is crucial to mention that the research is not related to the Rukhani Zhangyru Program.