Lecture on “The Cost of Belonging: The Promise of ‘Success’ as a Gateway to a Sect”
The “School of Parenting” project, jointly implemented by the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci and the Board for Religious Education, continued in the new 2026/27 school year. As part of the project, a lecture entitled “The Cost of Belonging: The Promise of ‘Success’ as a Gateway to a Sect,” with the subtitle “How Young People’s Needs and Interests Are Turned into Tools of Manipulation,” was held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, in the ceremonial hall of the Eighth Belgrade Gymnasium.
The speakers were regular expert associates of the Apologetics Section of the Missionary Department: Slobodan Spasić, a doctoral candidate in psychology, and Andrej Protić, a police major and doctoral candidate in communication studies.
In the nearly full ceremonial hall, the speakers addressed contemporary forms of manipulative activity in a direct and accessible manner, focusing in particular on how young people’s needs, interests and aspirations may be exploited in efforts to recruit them into sectarian and other manipulative groups.
Drawing on numerous examples, the speakers explained the mechanisms through which promises of success, personal development, acceptance and belonging may be turned into instruments of psychological influence. Particular attention was given to the importance of recognising patterns of manipulation and developing a critical approach to offers that promise young people the rapid fulfilment of their wishes and ambitions.
The lecture did not follow the usual format of a classroom presentation; instead, it took the form of lively, direct communication with those present, most of whom were pupils of the Eighth Belgrade Gymnasium. The concise presentations, supported by numerous examples, encouraged the pupils to take an active part in the discussion, ask questions and share their observations.
The many thoughtful questions showed that the subject had aroused considerable interest and created an opportunity to consider problems that young people may encounter in their everyday lives. Thanks to the speakers’ approachable manner and the audience’s active participation, the meeting lasted for more than two school classes, considerably exceeding the duration of a typical lecture.
This meeting marked a successful start to a new series of activities within the “School of Parenting” project. One of the project’s key aims is to provide professional support to young people, parents and educators in recognising contemporary challenges, developing critical thinking and safeguarding against various forms of manipulation.
PHOTO: Photo Archive of the Eighth Belgrade Gymnasium
