To the problem of defining the concept of «religious extremism»

Authors

  • Vladimir A. Martinovich Minsk Spiritual Academy, 27 Zybickaja Street, Minsk 220050, Belarus

Keywords:

religious extremism, religious fundamentalism, religious terrorism, religious fanaticism, religiously-motivated crime

Abstract

This article is devoted to the analysis of the main problems of defining the concept of «religious extremism». A short description of the history of the search for conceptual clarity in this area shows the lack of a consensus among scientists on this issue, the continuing uncertainty of the concept associated with the term «religious extremism», the disjointed approaches and certain marginality of the topic for the system of sociological knowledge. The problems of the subject and the potential of religious extremism are examined. The type of religious organizations for which this potential is characteristic is revealed. In line with the problematic of the gap between extremist ideas and their implementation, a significant difference between secular and religious forms of extremism is revealed. The problem of extreme actions in the performance of religious extremists is clarified. The difference between religious extremism and such other forms of religious deviation as religious fundamentalism, religious radicalism, religious terrorism and religious fanaticisms is described.

Author Biography

  • Vladimir A. Martinovich, Minsk Spiritual Academy, 27 Zybickaja Street, Minsk 220050, Belarus

    doctor of theology, PhD (sociology); head of the department of apologetics

References

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Published

2019-03-18

Issue

No. 3 (2018): Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology

Section

Religious Extremism in the Modern World

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How to Cite

[1]
Martinovich, V.A. 2019. To the problem of defining the concept of «religious extremism». Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology. 3 (Mar. 2019), 74–82.