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Let's talk about sects, baby!
What is a sect? How is it different from a denomination? Are such divisions proof of an "inferior" religion?
Date: 5/2/2005 9:28:36 AM ( 20 y ) ... viewed 1799 times Dictionary:
Sect:
[Middle English secte, from Old French, from Latin secta, course, school of thought, from feminine past participle of sequ, to follow; see sekw-1 in Indo-European roots.]
1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice.
2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination.
3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs.
Denomination:
1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.
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So it appears that the only difference between a sect and a denomination is size and complexity of organization.
With that in mind, why is it that if a non-Christian religion has many sects no one thinks that's a bad thing, but if it's Christianity they all point and say, "Aha! Christianity can't be the true or best religion because it is so divided!"?
Every religion has factions and divisions. Every religion has sects that call each other heretics. Every religion has people in it who don't really know what their group believes, or who don't practice what they preach.
Let's put the double standard aside and stop buying this lame accusation. None of those arguements against Christianity are valid, because the people pointing their fingers at it are just as guilty.
So let's concentrate instead on the authoritative teachings, the official words, not the practitioners. True relgion is defined by its source, not its results.
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