What is a Sect ?
A sect is a small, non–mainstream religious organization, often characterized by its extremeness of devotion to a set of beliefs or practices. Generally, they diverge from larger parent religions, such as Christianity or Hinduism, with whom they share some common identity. Members of the sect often live communally or share group activities and supportive social networks.
That being said, a sect is not necessarily bad or harmful. Depending on what it believes or promotes, a sect could be good or bad, and its adherents could range from peaceful and philanthropic to extreme and cult–like. To help us understand what characterizes a sect, we should take a closer look at it in the context of Christianity.
How Does Christianity Relate to Sects?
Christians identify as either mainstream or non–mainstream. Mainstream Christianity consists of those who embrace doctrines taught in the Bible and on religious texts, and those who adhere to traditional practices and organizations. Non–mainstream Christianity can consist of several sects, relying on a Mishmash of teachings, often combining them with modern ideologies and interpreting the Scriptures in a manner that supports those ideologies.
For example, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, officially recognized as the Mormons, is a non–mainstream religion. Its members have many beliefs and practices that set them apart from mainstream Christian activities and theology; for example, its belief in a living prophet as the leader of the church and its practice of baptism for the dead.
Sects of non–mainstream Christian movements are often large and rapidly growing. They draw adherents through large–scale evangelism efforts and religious conventions. The Pentecostal movement is one of the largest Christian sects in the world, and it maintains an active presence in many areas. It is noteworthy that while sects are usually smaller than the parent religion, they can become quite successful in terms of numbers.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Joining a Sect?
The benefits of joining a sect of Christianity are numerous. Many members of the sect find a sense of purpose, fellowship, and spiritual healing. Some sects emphasize social reform, education, and community service, all good works on which one can apply energy and dedication. Members also benefit from the social aspect of group activities, such as works of service or religious pilgrimages.
That being said, there are also some drawbacks. Sects often implement standards for followers that can be difficult to maintain. Ideas that do not align with a sect’s beliefs may be frowned upon or discouraged. Also, a sect’s lack of support from the parent religion can leave members feeling isolated, and any issues faced by the sect must be dealt with by the members alone.
Theology Differences
Sects of Christianity often differ in their interpretation of scripture. For example, certain sects emphasize different aspects of the faith and interpret biblical passages in new ways due to their diverse cultural background. In general, sects also often express beliefs differently than the parent religion, emphasizing different doctrines or emphasizing the same doctrines in new ways.
Additionally, sects often have different practices and beliefs than the parent religion. For instance, some sects of Christianity may require followers to wear particular clothing or involve themselves in specific activities.
Sometimes sects also reject traditional Christian denominations. In this case, they identify with ancient or modern Christian movements that the parent religion may not recognize. This can lead to tensions between sects and parent religions, especially regarding theological debates.
A Response to Modern Challenges
Many sects of Christianity have formed in response to current trends and modern challenges. They are often seen as a form of retreat from mainstream Christianity, and as an attempt to create a new form of living for like–minded individuals.
Sects fill a need for people looking for spiritual refuge from the changing tides of society –– the so–called ‘seekers’. In a time when the mainstream church seems distant and disconnected, these seekers often turn to sects in search of a church that is more akin to their spiritual sensibilities.
The Message of Sects
Although it’s true that some sects can be extreme and cult–like, there is still good to be found within them. Sects present spiritual messages that are often quite different than that of the parent religion. These messages can be refreshingly different and invite adherents to think outside of the box.
Many sects focus on real–world issues, such as racism, sexism, social injustice and environmentalism. They encourage their members to interact in positive, meaningful ways and to consider addressing problems in our world. They can be beneficial to those who are looking for spiritual guidance in our increasingly complex world.
Conclusion
While Christianity has been traditionally associated with mainstream religions, there are numerous sects of non–mainstream Christianity. As discussed, these sects can have both advantages and disadvantages for members. They often offer spiritual guidance for those looking for it, and emphasize different beliefs than mainstream Christianity.
