Author: Andrey V. Romanov, Cand. Sc. (Philosophy), Assistant-Prof. of Philosophy Dept.

Abstract: The article analyzes the concepts “totalitarian sect”, “new religious movements”, defines the characteristics of the concept “cult”. The author scrutinizes social, neurotic, cognitive, psychological, “noogen”, authoritarian, situational, biographical, psychosocial, family reasons for involvement into the cult groups.

Key words: religion; new religious movements; totalitarian sects; crisis; neurosis; reasons for involvement into destructive religious cults.