Religion and social movements

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Vladimir State University

Religion and social movements

Kuznetsov P.S. - student,

Novikova L.V. - supervisor

Vladimir, Russia

Religion plays in people's life a very important role, there is no sphere and a social process which would not be applied to religious symbols, metaphors, stories and ideas. Throughout the existence of mankind, there has never been a period when religion did not exist, and man would not turn to its symbols and ideals to understand the world around him or to achieve any goals.

Religion accompanies man throughout his life, one way or another everyone turns to the questions of being, the meaning of life, some individual questions of faith. At the same time, any social movement arises around certain ideas that require symbolic expression. It should be noted that the symbols can be both universal and unique. The well-known image of the Christian cross in different types and interpretations serves as a symbol of both Christian political parties and various creative or subcultural associations as Goths. Another example is the dove of peace, which has become an official international symbol of charity, aid and compassion. Borrowing from the symbolism movement and often borrow ideas that preaches a particular religion. Since any social movement needs an ideological Foundation, it is quite logical that it is able to absorb well-known ideas, projects and concepts. During the laying of the Foundation movements used the idea of religion, sometimes reading their distorted or adapting their ideas; as it was with the idea of equality, liberty or fraternity. In other cases, religion as authority is a confirmation of certain concepts, such as some globalists on the basis of the original unity of mankind and the origin of one ancestor (in the Abrahamic religions) bring their idea of a single humanity in a single state under the authority of the Holy Scriptures of religion.

Religion, even in today's world, is not an empty word for a large number of people, so social leaders and ideologists are trying to skillfully use language, images, metaphors and symbols, trying to attract representatives of different faiths as voters. It is worth noting that on this basis there are often abuses manifested in the form of religious extremism. This kind of distortion of religion, giving certain formulations, provisions of texts and legends a different meaning, far - fetched direction of the believer on the wrong path and their involvement in the work of terrorist or extremist organizations-one of the problems of modern society, regularly faced with the manifestation of religious intolerance, especially in hot spots or socially tense regions.

Unfortunately, religion often becomes an instrument in the hands of certain elites or groups. History knows many examples where wars, genocide or other violent processes have begun under the guise of symbols and ideas of religion, benefiting only those who have proficient use of religion and have benefited from their actions on time. However, religion often came to the aid of social forces, settling conflicts between different groups, which were United by one - religion. The role of religious institutions in the social sphere could be singled out as a separate one, calling it a certain sphere or (as in some regions) a fourth branch of government. Indeed, religious institutions at various levels have repeatedly demonstrated the saving role they play during cataclysms, wars or other extraordinary events. The Catholic Church has repeatedly condemned war kings, calling for peace in Christian Europe, threatening to renounce the Church of the king and his entire state in case of disobedience. On the other hand, the Muslim Muftis advocated peace in the middle East between the Arab countries (Sunnis and Shiites), tolerance of small denominations or loyalty to the authorities, who pursue policies in the interests of all religious groups, not only specifically Muslim, used their authority to save cultural monuments, save the lives of hostages from the hands of terrorists and religious fanatics, offered the authorities and international associations ways to resolve conflicts by meeting the religious and cultural needs of the population. religion society spiritual extremism

Religious institutions, in particular the Church, are capable of using the power of their authority to influence the rebellious, warring or involved in any conflict, to organize actions to collect material assistance to victims or exerting pressure on believers who evade their duties or take a passive position on any important issues. Returning to the question of the organization of social movements, it should be noted that some of them are inherent in the organization, which can be borrowed from religious institutions. The freer the religious institution, the more liberal it is, the more democratic the organization will be, and if it is authoritarian, so will the internal structure of the movement. Some associations can reach extremes (fanatics) by copying the hierarchy and rites of a religious institution, changing the meaning of the action itself, or by creating their own religious cults. This is not surprising, because any movement needs sacred things that would contribute to the unity of the members of the team, became symbols of struggle and honor. From religious processions, for example, the modern movement has inherited the wearing of flags, banners, portraits of their leaders or the carrying of icons and other religious attributes as associations or make direct reference to their religious affiliation. On the other hand, there is such a phenomenon as new religious movements, which often take the form of sects with their own way of life, hierarchy, cults and meanings. They are often closed societies, from which it is difficult to get out in case of dissatisfaction with their own spiritual searches. The power of religion in society is so great that some social forces, under the influence of religion, revise the provisions of their doctrines, sometimes initially antireligious, atheistic. This is done most often in view of the unpopularity of ideology and attempts to attract representatives of certain social and age groups, for example the elderly living in Church life.

In conclusion, religion plays one of the most important roles in social life, influencing such spheres as political, on which it largely depends how the state will continue to develop, what laws of foreign and domestic policy will be adopted, what ideologies or ideas will receive the status of state and much more. The life of mankind is so intertwined with religious symbols and ideals that modern society as well as the society of the future cannot be imagined without religion, because the images acquired by thinkers and artists from religious texts and legends telling about the brightest examples of freedom, kindness and self-sacrifice will always find a response in the social environment and in the works of outstanding people.

Bibliography

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