Influence of non-traditional religious movements on the social and political life of the modern Russian society

The article investigates the role of non-traditional religious movements in the political life of the contemporary Russian society. The activities of these religious structures influence the social identity of their followers. Studying the activities of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith and supporters of Islamic Salafi, the author concludes that an opposition social group is developing in the Russian society, it is antagonistic to the Russian state system, its political leaders, as well as other public and religious associations, which is of particular relevance in the run-up to the election cycle of 2016-2018.