printLimits of Doctrinal Identification of a Religious Group – the Сase of Two Religious Communities in the Kama Region
Riazanova S.V.
Dr. Sci. (Philos.), Leading Researcher, Institute for Humanitarian Studies of PFRC UB RAS, Prof., Perm, Russia svet-ryazanova@yandex.ru
Riazanova S.V. Limits of Doctrinal Identification of a Religious Group – the Сase of Two Religious Communities in the Kama Region. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2024. No 4. P. 60-72
The article aims at the identification of new religious groups with a specific focus on local religious communities. Various sources were utilized in the research, including audio recordings of seminars held within one of the groups, interviews, participant observations, photographs, personal correspondence with former members, and sacred literature. The primary objective of the study was to determine the group’s place within the established classification of religions. The analysis revealed that relying solely on self-identity and cult practices is inadequate for establishing the religious identity of the community. To address this, the author opted to analyze the doctrines of the groups as the basis for identification. The most stable and frequently mentioned categories were selected for consideration. The findings indicated that while the groups claimed affiliation with the Christian tradition, this association was formal and limited to traditional imagery and narratives. Both teachings examined contained a significant number of elements borrowed from other religions, particularly in terminological aspects. Additionally, they extensively employed mythological principles to describe the world and acknowledged the use of magical practices. The incorporation of nonreligious techniques and forms of activity, along with secular terminology and popular scientific data, led the author to conclude that these groups cannot be defined as religious solely. Instead, they occupy a liminal position in the social space and represent a new model of people’s consolidation.
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