Freedom of religion is one of the main democratic freedoms of citizens. However, the existence of a huge number of religious practices that are sects gives this freedom a certain danger. Modern sectarians do not hesitate to speak openly with people, persistently inviting them to get acquainted with this or that "religion" - so how can you communicate with them correctly so as not to fall under the destructive influence?
Basic rules of communication
You should never enter into a discussion about religion with a sectarian if you do not have sufficient knowledge and ability to argue your position. In this case, it is best to politely refuse the sectarian in dialogue and go about your business. If you have no choice or want to argue with a sectarian, try to be gentle and reverent in the conversation, while not forgetting to find out which religious movement your interlocutor belongs to.
Many sectarians are in no hurry to disclose information about their "brotherhood", although most of these brotherhoods are unknown to the average person. You can ask him about it directly, but without aggression. There is one important point - all sects, without exception, are in opposition to Orthodoxy, which is the dominant religion. If a sectarian begins to criticize you after you call yourself an Orthodox person, ask him a question about the age and history of his religious movement. Usually this is the weak link of all sects, because the doctrine, whose age is from 2 to 15 years old, founded by some former plumber, cannot claim authority in the religious and even sectarian world.
Correct behavior model
Almost all sectarians are firmly convinced of the infallibility of their leaders, so their flow of words can be stopped by asking them to tell you the story of the emergence of their very first community. Usually sectarians begin to memorize legends about supernatural phenomena, communication with angels, receiving instructions from them about the salvation of mankind, and so on. Many sects are quite rational groups that suddenly decide that for millennia people have been praying to the wrong god, keeping the wrong commandments … well, and further down the list.
Very often sectarians try to lure people to themselves, trying to instill in them fear of the coming Apocalypse and promising salvation from fiery hell.
Talking with a sectarian belonging to Western sects should be based on the words of Jesus Christ. So, you can cite certain passages from the Bible that speak of the only church, and ask the sectarian why he contradicts the Holy Scriptures. Usually this is where communication with the sectarians ends and they leave. It is much more difficult to communicate with representatives of eastern sects due to the insufficient amount of knowledge about their religion. In such cases, you just need to behave naturally, sympathetically, but at the same time firmly, demonstrating your unshakable position about your faith.
