Researching the NRMs symbolism: facts and assumptions
Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the new religious movements (NRM) symbolism. The author raises the following questions: what methods of symbolic research can be used in relation to NRM, as well as whether it is possible to be guided by research assumptions that contradict the official interpretation of symbolism or do not have confirmation from representatives of new religious movements? Content. New religious movements have been studied from many sides, but the study of the NRM symbols remains insufficiently developed. The author notes that there are almost no generalizing works specifically devoted to this topic. Meanwhile, the concept of the symbolic is very important in religion and it cannot be ignored. The article discusses three ways to study NRM symbols. In the first case, only the main interpretation of the movement symbolism is studied - it is quite accessible, it can be seen in the NRM literature, on their websites, and learn the interpretation from followers. This interpretation usually contains references to the main tenets of the creeds, on which the movement considers it necessary to focus attention. The next method is to identify previous analogues that can be directly or indirectly borrowed by NRM, without explicitly recognizing this borrowing. The author believes that the NRM symbols are deliberately created and thought out in a syncretic style that combines different meanings that are acceptable for the NRM worldview. As a rule, NRM representatives do not recognize allegations of such borrowings. Meanwhile, the semantic analysis of NRM symbols allows us to judge where they were borrowed from, as well as to make assumptions about why the symbol was adopted. Finally, it is possible to study the NRM symbols from the psychology point of view, identifying the social unconscious archetypes that manifest themselves through symbolism. Additionally, it is possible to study the parts of the symbol (such as shape, outline, and color). Conclusions. The author believes that the analysis of the NRM symbols opens an interesting angle for their study. This approach reveals not only the official versions of the NRM themselves about their symbols, but also hidden meanings, including those not always realized by the NRM followers themselves.