The Role of Archaism in the Minds of Religious Extremists: A Socio-Philosophical Analysis

Abstract

This article investigates the role of archaism in the minds of religious extremists and its manifestation in social practices. Religious extremism is a social phenomenon reflecting the desire to, based on religious ideas and the use or threat of violence, radically change the socio-political structure. Moreover, this notion describes actions threatening the socio-political situation at a particular historical stage and appealing to the sacred. Religious beliefs in extremist activity are secondary to the political basis, the archaic nature of consciousness being a priority. This way one can, with minimal elaboration of religious ideology, channel maximal resources to socio-political activity. The emphasis is placed on mythologism, using myths about the golden age and heroes, leaders who suffer and die while trying to restore it. The following archaic features of extremists’ religious consciousness are revealed here: personification of the surrounding world, sacrifice and acceptability of violence, as well as conviction about the special role of the leader, direct participation of the sacred and ability to influence objective processes. The archaic nature of religiosity contributes to the development of groupthink. It is based on a radicalized “Us vs Them” idea and an opposition between objective social reality (as false) and constructed reality (as true), and is reinforced by social isolation and a lack of critical thinking. Religious extremists position themselves as true believers who, by their actions, maintain the world order and contribute to the victory of good over evil. The central place in the worldview is given to the sacred, seen as being able to directly participate in communication and exercise social control, as well as impose punishment and delegate its powers. Religious extremists consider their actions and ideas to be divinely inspired, while violence,  an effective and the only possible method. By replacing certain meanings of information and analogies with others, radicalized, and by presenting alternative interpretations of religious ideas, they foster beliefs in religious superiority and identify their political actions with adherence to religious precepts.