SECT: SCIENTIFIC TERMINOLOGY OR COMPROMISE OF NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

Abstract

Religious studies specialists do not have consensus on the terminology of religious movements (NRM), because this term covers a wide range of movements - from those based on approaches to religion to community Some researchers have an idea of NRM as sects that use illegal methods to attract members. Besides, objective study of the term is impeded by its negative perception on everyday level and in a number of publications. In this article the author, analyzing the features of sects, shows partiality of the use of the term with regard to all the NRMs, as it does not reflect their quality characteristics. The lack of the terminological apparatus has caused the situation when all people interpret these concepts at their own discretion, based on their own ideological positions. However, what is considered as a sect from religious point of view does not always lead to destabilization of secular public life, as many nontraditional religious groups make a significant contribution to the moral condition of modern society. Therefore, studying the faiths, the author suggests to use neutral terms: non-traditional religions or new religious organizations.