Converts in religion: the problem of fanaticism and methods of work with neophytes

On December 18, 2019 the National Research Tomsk State University together with the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute will hold a round table titled: “Converts in religion: the problem of fanaticism and methods of work with neophytes”.

In the 21st century, many people are still interested in the ultimate questions about the nature of things, the meaning of existence, what will happen after death, etc. The scientific picture of the world does not include all the answers to these questions, only offers its hypotheses about the origin of the universe. Accordingly, the religious picture of the world is relevant for certain parts of secular society. The ranks of traditional confessions and new religious movements in Russia are regularly replenished by people who seek to comprehend religious truths. Some movements have a high turn-over of followers (up to 60%), when the modern consumer learns things important for himself and does not become truly Church-bound, but, nevertheless, comes into contact with religious tradition. What happens to the thinking of a person who, consciously or not, has decided to “come to God”? How does he begin to behave, how does his perception of the world and behavior change, how does this affect his relationships with his inner circle and what do the leaders of religious organisations do to make the adaptation of the neophyte go smoother? Converts are often characterised by fanaticism, which on the one hand allows a person to establish himself in the tradition through diligent adherence to all regulations, but on the other hand neophytes can behave aggressively and inappropriately towards those who are not with them or have opposing views. These issues categorically require a solution and will be discussed at this round table.

Associate Professor of the department of sociology of TSU and associate expert of the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute R. A. Bykov will moderate the event. The round table will be attended by representatives of religious organisations and movements of Tomsk, employees, graduate students and students of Tomsk Universities.

Speakers: Associate Professor of the Department of ancient world, middle ages and methodology of history of TSU O. V. Khazanov, associate Professor of sociology of TSU R. A. Bykov, father Michael Desjardins, father Alexander and other leaders of religious associations of Tomsk.

Venue: Tomsk, Lenin Ave., 34 (3rd building of TSU), 3rd floor., 27 AUD.

The event starts at 18:30 local time.

Working language: Russian.