With the blessing of his Grace, the Bishop of Valjevo, Mr. Isihije, on April 25, 2024, in the packed hall of the Sports and Cultural Centre in Obrenovac, a forum titled “Sectarian and Manipulative Actions of Individuals and Groups in Serbia” took place, featuring speakers from the Apologetics Mission Section of the AEM Missionary Department.
Zoran Lukovic, the coordinator of the Apologetics Mission Section, emphasized the importance of a continuous discussion of sectarian activities, as they are constantly transforming and adapting to new societal circumstances. He pointed out that such activities cause destructive behaviour, and as such are the subject of debate within the state and security systems. In the 90% of cases, sectarian activities result in the waste of precious time, in ruined health, in the loss of property and opportunities for receiving prompt treatment. He also talked about the New Age movement, which combines all the known religious and magic traditions. The aim of this movement is to relativise the Holy Mysteries of the Church and the divinely revealed truths, ultimately elevating man to be an arbiter of all things, thus completely rejecting God.
Continuing from Zoran Lukovic’s presentation, communicologist Andrej Protic pointed out that our Church is not threatened by Hindu and other movements. He stated that Orthodox Christianity is based on the teachings of the unique Person of Jesus Christ. Protic observed that all versions of Hinduism consider man to be the product of nature, with divine attributes given to many animals. The practices of Yoga and meditation were also discussed, emphasizing that they are impossible to understand outside of their religious context.
Clinical psychologist Vlajko Panovic pointed out that we live in an era of intense technological development, but also in an increasingly depressive civilisation, where people are getting lonelier, with less joy and fewer healthy personal relationships. He also spoke about the problems and trials which today’s small families are facing and concluded that it is of great importance to keep informed about the online content our children are consuming daily, as well as the need to help them develop the right mindset towards it.
Psychologist Slobodan Spasic explained that the manipulation, which all sects employ, can be very complex and that, apart from its emotional impact, it also aims to exploit the knowledge of how the mind works. The goal is to create willing victims of manipulation, so that the manipulated person has no perception of it, but rather thinks that he is exercising his own will, free from others’ influence. Spasic pointed out that we should be very cautious when someone is trying to give us a “free gift”. We should not question their good intent but should remain cautious.
After the presentations, the guests took questions from the audience. In addition to Bishop Isihije, the members of the clergy and many people from the Valjevo region also attended the forum.
The entire lecture from the SKC Obrenovac can be viewed here.
