"Divine violence" in the process of social transformation

The article deals with one of the forms of violence which dominates at a certain stage of social transformation - faith-based "divine" violence realized through the sacralization of violent actions. It is noted that "divine" violence is implemented through faith in the charismatic leader, belief in permanence of the world and its wonderful nature. Particular attention is paid to the components of "divine" violence: magical and ritual (or ritual-symbolic) thinking. The role of magical thinking in "divine" violence lies in choosing the correct interpretation of the necessity for its implementation, sacralization of victims of violence through the explanation of their deaths by sovereign plan and testing of higher forces. Establishment of "divine" violence causes the appearance and inclusion of certain symbols, new social rituals in culture, later they become the components of "rational" violence. The task of social ritual is to carry out a collective act of indirect violence. Social rituals as components of social transformations occur when violence passes the stage of paroxysm and the idea of necessity for peace and order confirms in collective consciousness. Establishment of a new historical countdown is an instrument of "divine" violence.