Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

[xiii.b] The term ‘sect’ may be used pejoratively of bodies regarded as heretical (see Heresy, orthodoxy, schism). As a neutral technical term in sociological analysis of Christianity, however, a ‘sect’ denotes a body with certain characteristics, such as extreme emphasis on some aspects or doctrines of the Christian tradition at the expense of others; personal conversion as a condition of membership; and condemnation of the values and institutions of ordinary society. This is contrasted with the ‘church’ type of Christianity, which is characterized by a comprehensive or balanced range of teaching; membership including whole nations or requiring only minimal qualifications; and a high degree of accommodation to the values and institutions of society at large. ‘Denomination’ is used of bodies which are more broadly based and open to ordinary society than sects, while less comprehensive and socially tolerant than ‘churches’. In this classification Anglicanism, the Eastern orthodox church and Roman catholicism would be ‘churches’ and Methodism and Presbyterianism (for example) ‘denominations’. (Outside sociological discussion, however, ‘church’ and ‘denomination’ are usually used simply as synonymous terms for any organized Christian body. For specialized theological uses cf. Church (christian).) Sects often originate in a ‘charismatic’ leader; and a number emphasize Millenarianism. ... log in or subscribe to read full text