May 2, 2018 / C H Thompson

Sects

The terms “sects” and “cults” are often used interchangeably. While cults tend to be small groups with extreme practices and ideas, sects are religious offshoots of other groups.
Definition of a a sect is: ‘a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (typically regarded as heretical) from those of a larger group to which they belong’
Sects are found in all religions of the world and are often subsets of religions due to their perceived need for reform.
One example of a sect is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as Mormons
They create strong boundaries between themselves and the wider society, with a membership that has to be earned by personal merit
The organization of sects generally lack professional clergy and have a complex hierarchy.
They are world rejecting meaning that they are generally critical of the wider society and the contact with non-members is discouraged.
Their worship tends to have little use of a ritual and is emotional, spontaneous and expressive.
Like churches, sects also see themselves as having a monopoly of truth, as well as being the only true religion.

Meta