In one of our previous articles we spoke about modern sects. This article comes from theory to practice. Here we will discuss who gets in sect, how it happens and is there any way to withstand this.

So what are the main reasons for people to become sectarians?

First reason is lack of emotional well-being in families. And first conclusion comes from here: the main reason to prevent children get in sect is parents’ love which is unconditional. That means parents must love children without any conditions (“I will love you if do so and so”). Parents must love children just because they exist. They also must accept children with their drawbacks and weaknesses; they must convince children that family will support him, understand him, appreciate him, and respect him. No one will leave such family.

Second reason is crisis which person suffered and situations when he thinks that world is destroyed. There are many reasons for that. Fro example, relative’s death, social position and other serious events which cause loss of sense of life.

Third reason is some kind of spiritual vacuum which exists in our society lately. I do know whether it is good or bad, but ideology was our “lodestar” for a very long time. Komsomol, pioneers gave a kind of ideal and aim in life for children, though it had some disadvantages. There little childish ideas which are viable. It is an extremity in most cases. Now pendulum swung to another side. That means there are no ideas at all. But, holly place cannot stay hollow; and it was a good reason for smart and unkind people to take opportunity and fill in vacuum in young minds.

Forth reason is loneliness in crowd, disassociation and position when “nobody needs anyone”. And even though everything is good in family, human still is a social being; and person wants to become a part of society which is hard nowadays.

Next reason is a desire to self-cognition, interest to everything which is unusual, mystic, which is natural for youth. Sect leaders use all these using active propaganda, popularization of mystic and irrational ideas. The less is person’s life experience and the more ill-defined are borders of his world, the easier is to influence them, press on them and “brainwash” them.

There are more psychological factors which contribute involvement in sects. They are trust, naiveté, worry, etc. All these make children more receptive towards beautiful recruiters’ speeches. It is notable that children from well-being families peck on “fishing rods” with promises of abilities, influence, and success easier than children who passed severe life school. But those children also get in sects as they look for kindness, purity and sense of life.

Many people think that only people who are extremely religious get in sects. But it is common error, because those people are strong in their belief; their moral peg is strong too. Only those who are in conflict with themselves and with society, but at the same time they need understanding and acceptance of surrounding more than anyone else.

Are there any signs of the fact that a child is being involved in sect? Yes, there are.

First, one be attentive if he notes that many colorful brochures, posters and books appears in house; if they were given to your child for free and are intended to “enlighten” them; or if your child is invited to some free “enlightening” action. Sectarians use different screens up to free English courses. You must explain your child that free cheese one may found only in mousetrap. And disks with specific “trans” music must also draw your attention.

If notice sharp change in child’s behavior you must think and understand what happens especially if child sits for hours and looks in one point (in window or on wall) or on some new subject or portrait and mumbles some or just stirs with his leaps. Situation becomes serious if a child starts to talk about sense of life, about evil and kindness and if his views are contrary to those which are accepted in your family.

You must also draw your attention to thing which appeared in your house, those your child was indifferent to them earlier (candles, signs, amulets, fragrant substances) and if your child changes his style, manner of behavior and friends.

Many parents know how hard is to get children away from sects; children run away from home, disappear in sects for months; one does not know not only how to get children back, but also where they are.

You must address psychotherapists if you have such an opportunity; maybe you will have to change place of living. Do not try to discredit Guru or whether he is called or the sect in whole. Children are prepared to such talks with parents; and all your attempts will be accepted as prove that you are not right. The only things required from you are attention, acceptance, and discussion of child’s present and past. You must know that this process will be long-term and painful, because you withstand to psycho technological group.

The only conclusion to this article is the following: one who is warned is armed. If you warn your child about danger of sectarianism, he will be careful in socializing with strangers. And parents being warned will show maximum of attention and understanding towards their children and so they will not allow them to look for warmness, acceptance and sense of life aside from families and national religions.

Natalia Prozenko

shkolazhizni.ru