What are the reasons for the mass self -immolation of the Old Believers: social protest Wish for martyrdom A way to avoid punishment

The mass self-immolation of the Old Believers, also known as the Old Believers' self-immolation, refers to the act of self-immolation committed by some members of the Old Believers, a Christian sect that refused to accept the reforms introduced by the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century.<br /><br />The reasons for the mass self-immolation of the Old Believers are complex and multifaceted. Some of the main reasons include:<br /><br />1. Social protest: The Old Believers' self-immolation was a form of social protest against the Russian government's attempts to suppress their religious beliefs and practices. They saw self-immolation as a way to draw attention to their cause and to challenge the authority of the Russian government.<br />2. Wish for martyrdom: Some of the Old Believers who committed self-immolation did so with the intention of becoming martyrs for their faith. They believed that by dying for their beliefs, they would be rewarded in the afterlife and that their actions would inspire others to join their cause.<br />3. A way to avoid punishment: In some cases, the Old Believers who committed self-immolation did so as a way to avoid punishment from the Russian government. They were often persecuted and imprisoned for their religious beliefs, and self-immolation was seen as a way to escape the harsh conditions of imprisonment and to avoid further punishment.<br /><br />Overall, the mass self-immolation of the Old Believers was a complex phenomenon with multiple motivations and causes. It was a form of social protest, a way to achieve martyrdom, and a means to avoid punishment, all of which were intertwined in the actions of these individuals.