In the packed crypt of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon in Mirijevo, following the Divine Liturgy, the opening lecture of the Summer School of Parenting was held under the title “Internet Spirituality: When a Group Becomes a Cult.”
This highly relevant topic was addressed by the distinguished lecturers, medical psychologist Vlajko Panović and religious scholar Zoran Luković, who drew the audience’s attention to the numerous challenges that contemporary individuals encounter within the digital environment. Particular emphasis was placed on the phenomenon of online communities which, under the guise of a spiritual discovery, search for self-help, or alternative forms of spirituality, may gradually assume the characteristics of closed and manipulative groups exhibiting cult-like features.
The speakers discussed the mechanisms of psychological and spiritual influence that can emerge in the virtual world, the importance of cultivating critical thinking, and the indispensable role of the family and sound spiritual discernment in an era marked by the ever-increasing presence of digital content in everyday life.
Following the introductory presentations, an exceptionally lively and substantive discussion developed, during which attendees posed numerous questions and shared their own experiences and observations. The considerable interest shown by the faithful, together with the fact that the hall was filled to capacity, testifies to the significance of the spiritual challenges facing contemporary society and to the growing need for their serious and responsible consideration within the life of the Church.
The Summer School of Parenting will continue its activities in the coming period with the aim of providing parents with practical guidance and support in addressing the many educational, spiritual, and social challenges of contemporary life.
PHOTOS: Photo archive of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon in Mirijevo
