“Puzzling Phenomena”
Heterodox-religious Subculture in Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Esoteric forms of religiosity have a long tradition in Russia. They flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries. Even in the Soviet era, they did not completely disappear. During perestroika, the heterodox-religious scene experienced a boom whose repercussions are still being felt: Around 45 percent of the population admits to having esoteric convictions. Often, these combine with Christian content to form an eclectic view of the world. The esoteric plays an important social role and is an economic factor.
(Osteuropa 9/2009, pp. 147–160)