Sociological Definition Of Sects And Classification Of Religious Schools

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The word cult pejoratively refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are reasonably considered strange. The word origin... Read more

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The word cult pejoratively refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are reasonably considered strange. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices. The narrower, derogatory sense of the word is a product of the 20th century, especially since the 1980s, and is considered subjective. It is also a result of the anti-cult movement which uses the word in reference to groups seen as authoritarian, exploitative and possibly dangerous. The word implies a group which is a minority in society. Whereas the cult is able to enforce its norms and ideas against members, a sect normally doesn't strictly have "members" with definite obligations, only followers, sympathizers, supporters or believers. A sect may also have members which choose to leave later, which is allowed whereas a cult uses any means necessary to keep its members (including coercion).
This book helps understand the difference between cults and sects. It also identifies several schools and movements in numerous religions.

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