Cults of trouble and destruction

During the period of strict restrictions, people are especially susceptible to the negative influence of destructive religious cults. What kind of threat they represent for the first time?

Contrary to values, the Influence of destructive religious cults, as noted by specialists in theology and psychology, should not be underestimated. These associations, created for profit, can destroy families, negatively affect the mental and physical health of a person, and sometimes even lead to the death of their adherents. A destructive cult is a group or movement that demonstrates excessive commitment to an idea, thing, or person. As a rule, unethical methods of management and persuasion, blackmail, demands, and powerful group pressure are used. The victim, caught in the grip of a cult, often does not have the ability to defend himself. Adherents of destructive religious cults do not always realize that they have problems. They are called to blind obedience, encouraged to become completely dependent on the cult. At the same time, any information is turned around in such a way that the cult is in a winning position in relation to those who try to call for critical thinking and sanity. Destructive religious cults not only involve their adherents in illegal activities, but also can lead a person to commit suicide. According to scientists, in most cases, the leaders of destructive associations often have psychopathic personality traits, they have a tendency to mental violence and dominance. Of course, there are cults for a reason — the basis is always some benefit, including material. One of the main signs of destructive cults is a confrontation with traditional values, traditions and customs, and the state system. Supporters of the sects deny the traditional religion and beliefs. Deadly risk according to the Aktobe Department of religious Affairs, during the pandemic, people become especially vulnerable and often fall into the network of destructive religious movements, cults and sects. The coronavirus pandemic keeps people stressed, and many are sick or worried about their relatives and friends. Anxiety and anxiety, hopeless situations, stress and panic push ordinary people to extreme measures, and there are those who find solace in forbidden cults. – Let's remember at least the nineties in our country, when the financial and spiritual crisis of people led them directly into the hands of scammers, various sects, dubious organizations, - says religious scholar Olga VORONEVICH. – In them, people looked for protection, support, and sometimes just comfort and faith, but everything turned out the opposite for them. For example, the pseudo-Christian organization "White Brotherhood", which operated in the Aktobe region, spread its ideas of" the end of the world soon", provided free Bible study lessons, offered to renounce the mortal world and fully devote themselves to the service of God in this organization. Under the guise of faith in Christ, the organization gathered thousands of people around the world. People who had left their families and given their apartments, money, and other possessions to the White brotherhood were madly singing the Hosanna of "Mother Mary Devi Christ," as they called Marina Tsvigun, the founder of the organization, and were ready to do whatever she ordered. This blind worship ended sadly: on November 10, 1993, members of the "White brotherhood" staged a massacre in the center of Kiev, tried to seize the Church and burn themselves in the name of the triumph of the new faith. The mass suicide was stopped by law enforcement forces. In the same year, the "White brotherhood" was declared illegal by the court. Its founders were in prison. Aktobe residents are urged to remember the lessons of the past and when meeting with representatives of the "White brotherhood" to be careful and in no case succumb to their invitations to join the cult. Do not do this even out of interest, and even if you are sure that you can be saved at any time. It may be too dangerous to take risks in this case.

Vultures in the Aktobe region, the activities of destructive religious movements are illegal, but during the period of strict sanitary restrictions, their representatives have become more active again. They take advantage of the fact that many residents of the region are experiencing stress. Many cults pretend that they want to help people survive self-isolation usefully, offering their services under the guise of psychological training, webinars and educational courses. You should always remember that such outwardly kind actions can hide a great danger. - Since the beginning of the pandemic, sects have stepped up their recruitment activities, - says the researcher of religious sectarianism, Professor Alexander DVORKIN. - People fall into sects when they experience stress, lose confidence in the future, and feel fear for themselves and the health of their loved ones. Sects flock to the smell of trouble and despair, like vultures to the smell of blood. This is done in order to get people involved. Sectarian activity has increased significantly, everyone is trying to impose their own product in order to involve them in their organization. For example, the fraudster Grigory Grabovoi, who at one time "resurrected" dead children in Beslan, after serving time, moved to Serbia. From there, it broadcasts to the whole world via the Internet. He has already stated that he has invented a digital formula that will prevent Covid-19 from getting infected if repeated. Experts once again remind you that you do not need to believe such controversial statements. Recruitment to cults the Spread of destructive religious cults during the quarantine period is a phenomenon that is characteristic of absolutely all countries of the world. Residents of the Aktobe region should also exercise caution and, if necessary, immediately seek help from employees of law enforcement agencies. During the time of self-isolation, experts say, fraudsters have repeatedly tried to extort money from Aktobe residents, pretending to be employees of banks, government agencies, and volunteers. In addition, criminals often tried to recruit adherents to cults through online webinars, live broadcasts and master classes. Sometimes Aktobe residents received invitations to pseudo-Christian organizations, destructive religious cults, organizations of extremist or terrorist orientation. Representatives of destructive religious cults use fear as the main tool for influencing a person. Fear makes people commit sometimes desperate and ill-considered actions, such citizens are particularly susceptible to other people's negative influence. For attending meetings of sects and adherence to the cult, Aktobe residents are promised salvation from the End of the World, various protective amulets, and individual prayers. In quarantine, the so-called healers, who promise to cure all patients, including at a distance, have become particularly popular. It is important to realize that behind all these promises lies a thirst for material gain. However, a person who is in a critical situation, for the sake of salvation, is ready to grasp at any straw – and in the case of destructive religious cults, he only destroys himself even more. – It remains to be noted that in any complex, non-standard situation, a person should be able to think critically and, with a variety of opinions in various areas, still be guided by the instructions of specialized specialists. Not only need to follow shady characters – sums up Olga Voronovich.
Asel SUINBAEVA