Sect: scientific terminology or compromise of new religious movements

Religious studies specialists do not have consensus on the terminology of new religious movements (NRM), because this term covers a wide range of movements - from those based on new approaches to religion to community organizations. Some researchers have an idea of NRM as sects that use illegal methods to attract new members. Besides, objective study of the term "sect" is impeded by its negative perception on everyday level and in a number of publications. In this article the author, analyzing the features of "sects", shows partiality of the use of the term with regard to all the NRMs, as it does not reflect their quality characteristics. The lack of the terminological apparatus has caused the situation when all people interpret these concepts at their own discretion, based on their own ideological positions. However, what is considered as a sect from religious point of view does not always lead to destabilization of secular public life, as many non-traditional religious groups make a significant contribution to the moral condition of modern society. Therefore, studying the non-traditional faiths, the author suggests to use neutral terms: "non-traditional religions" or "new religious organizations".