Root causes of religious extremism (philosophical aspects)

Abstract

The article considers the concepts of «religious sect» and «extremism» in the social and philosophical aspects. The possible ways of development of sects, mechanisms of recruiting people and creating separate communities for destructive influence on people are in full disclosure. The article describes traditional and non-traditional religions and defines the danger of destructive cults with various methods of psychological influence and psychological manipulation. Religious sects, distinguished by their closeness, immersion in their idea, which is far from religion, are considered as a path to extremism and terrorism, because they differ in their reactionary essence, they have negative features and a complex hierarchical structure. The author provides a description of religious sects, noting that the teachings and activities of destructive sects exclude rational comprehension, have a negative effect on the spiritual life of people, and are aimed at destroying personality. Religious extremism, based on religious opposition associations that are at variance with the society, requires comprehensive study. The author views the religious sect as a public danger and believes that it is the sect that can propagandize extremism and terrorism, ideologically intoxicating people on the basis of religious fanaticism. Sectarian preachers, deftly using a certain situation, as well as lack of religious immunity of a person, his credulity, mental and moral instability, try to instill in him a sectarian radical doctrine which claims exclusivity, «divine truth», the ultimate verity. The author, delimiting religious organizations and religious sects, describes the main features and the acting mechanism of the latter.