The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the problem of distinguishing between religion and esotericism. It uses the example of the differentiation of magic and the concepts proposed by J.D. Frazer and B.K. Malinowski (1925) as criteria for distinguishing these two phenomena. Despite obvious points of intersection, such as appeal to the transcendental and search for meaning, the differences between religion and esoterism remain a subject of debate. The purpose of this article is to identify and systematize key differentiating features on the institutional, doctrinal, epistemological, social, practical and functional levels. As a result, the author concludes about the conventional nature and mobility of the boundaries between religion and esotericism, identifying zones of their interpenetration (“religiosity of esotericism”) and the internal esoteric component within traditional religions (“esotericism of religion”). The conclusion is drawn about the need to abandon rigid opposition between these two phenomena, considering historical dynamics and cultural context.
Key words: religion, esotericism, magic, mysticism, hermeticism, Gnosticism, sacred and profane, study of religion, institutionalization, doctrine, sacred, transcendent, spiritual practices, syncretism, J.D. Frazer, R. Marett, B.K. Malinowski, quasi-religiosity, New Age
DOI: 10.22250/20728662-2026-1-134-146
About the author
 |
Ekaterina S. Elbakyan – DSc (Philosophy), Senior Research Fellow, Russian Academy of Education; 8 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow, 119121, Russia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |