Parody religions in the space of cultural and religious life of Russia: Results of expert interview

Background. The article is devoted to the study of the so-called parody religions. Parody religions are religious movements that have gained popularity under the influence of mass culture at the beginning of the 21st century, the purpose of which is to mock and reduce to absurdity the doctrines and ritual practices of world religions through protest forms.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to find out the potential for institutionalization of parody religions and their consolidation as the full-fledged participants in the socio-cultural and religious life in Russia.

Methodology. The work uses the method of expert interviews. Nine specialists (including Doctors of Philosophy and Doctors of Science) in the field of philosophy, psychology, religion, and mass media were selected as experts.

Results. The following conclusions were made in the work. The main purpose of creating parody religions is self-expression of young people and their unification in the fight against theism; the main factors of creation are secularization, westernization of Russian culture, and urbanization. The degree of influence of parody religions on Russian public culture is insignificant. Despite the lack of need for legal regulation of parody religions, they require public control, prevention of their transformation into destructive sects, etc.

Practical implications. The results can be applied when lecturing in the sociology of culture and the sociology of religion. The practical implication lies in the possibility of using separate materials of the work in the implementation of state confessional policy.