Anticultism and Totalitarian Sects: Playing with Dangerous Labels

 

In a world where traditional religions play a significant role in many people's lives, there is a deeply ingrained fear of anything that falls outside these beliefs. This fear is often used for political purposes, and one of its tools has become the term "totalitarian sect." In this article, we will examine who introduced this concept and for what purposes, as well as the consequences of indiscriminately labeling groups with it.

The History of the Term "Totalitarian Sect"

The term "totalitarian sect" was introduced into European discourse by Russian anticultist Alexander Dvorkin in 1997. Dvorkin used it to designate all small religious groups, often without making distinctions between them. This term quickly acquired a negative connotation and became a powerful tool for discrediting any religious minorities.

Dvorkin is a member of the Expert Council on New Religious Movements under the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). His views and statements often draw criticism even among religious scholars and academics in Russia. Nonetheless, his influence continues to grow, and his activities attract attention not only in Russia but also in Europe.

The Influence and Consequences of Dvorkin's Activities

Dvorkin returned to Russia in 1997 after emigrating to the USA, where he was involved with the scandal-ridden Cult Awareness Network (CAN). This organization engaged in "deprogramming" people and went bankrupt due to numerous lawsuits from victims. Upon returning to Russia, Dvorkin developed active anticult activities, promoting fear and hostility towards small religious groups.

His efforts led to the adoption of several laws that sharply restrict freedom of religion in Russia. The law adopted in 1997 required mandatory registration of all new religions and proof of their existence in Russia for 15 years. In 2012, a law on countering extremist activities was adopted, and in 2016, the Yarovaya Law was enacted, which effectively criminalized missionary activity outside officially registered locations.

The Role of FECRIS and International Influence

Dvorkin's anticult rhetoric also penetrated Europe. In 2009, he became vice-president of the European Federation of Centres of Research and Information on Sectarianism (FECRIS), a French anticult organization with pan-European influence. Despite the lack of support for his ideas in academic circles, Dvorkin continued to spread negative propaganda about religious minorities at international forums such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conferences.

FECRIS is 90 percent funded by the French government, raising questions about whether taxpayers know what this organization is actually doing. European courts have accumulated numerous materials proving the unlawful and inhumane activities of FECRIS. However, despite this, the organization continues its activities, supported both financially and politically.

International Consequences and Human Rights Violations

Dvorkin's anticult activities are not limited to Russia and Europe. His support for the destruction of the Falun Gong movement in China is a striking example of the brutal consequences of anticult rhetoric. Falun Gong practitioners were persecuted, sent to reeducation camps, and many had their organs harvested while still alive. These actions have been condemned by international courts but continue to this day.

Anticult Rhetoric as a Tool for Political Struggle

The activities of Dvorkin and FECRIS clearly demonstrate how anticult rhetoric is used for political purposes to suppress dissent and religious minorities. Labeling groups as "totalitarian sects" allows authorities and anticult organizations to discredit any inconvenient groups, persecute them, and restrict their rights.

Conclusion

Anticult rhetoric, based on fear and bias, causes significant harm to society. Indiscriminately labeling groups as "totalitarian sects" without proper analysis and understanding leads to human rights violations, persecution, and even physical destruction of people. It is important to recognize the danger of this approach and strive for a more objective and fair attitude towards religious minorities.

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