When dealing with spiritual beliefs, two analogous terms are often confused: religion and sects. The latter, in particular, are loaded with a negative connotation that is not always correct. In this article, we will explore the differences between sect y religion, also analyzing the aspects in which they are similar and in which they differ.
Religion
La religion It is a system of beliefs and dogmas with rules that regulate the social and individual behavior of the people who profess it. These rules are determined by dogmas and rulings made by a higher entity or a supreme being, in which the believer places his faith. Generally, religions have a visible hierarchical structure, with authorities that interpret the rules and rituals.
This set of beliefs is essential in the lives of many people, affecting their daily lives. Organized and mainstream religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism or buddhism, encompass millions of followers worldwide. In turn, these religions usually have sacred books, such as the Biblia, Koran or Torah, which define their mandates, prohibitions and beliefs.
Religion is also characterized by the regular practice of rituals and ceremonies, often linked to important holidays such as Christmas, Easter in Christianity or Ramadan in Islam. These rituals strengthen the connection of the faithful with the divine and create a sense of community.
It is important to note that institutionalized religion, in addition to regulating individual behavior, also plays a fundamental role in the social and cultural life of a people or country, exerting a notable influence on its history, politics and customs.
Secta
Selective focus photo of group of people standing outside while holding their arms and hands up in the air
For its part, a sect is typically a minority religious movement that breaks away from a majority religion. In many cases, a cult arises from a divergent interpretation of the original teachings of the parent religion. A prominent example of this evolution is the Christianity, which was initially considered a sect within Judaism, but over time gained followers and evolved into a consolidated religion.
Unlike religions, sects tend to have a more closed organizational structure and a selective character. Often, entry into the sect is restricted, and members must undergo very specific rituals, which can be seen as inappropriate or unusual from the point of view of general society. This exclusivity is one of the factors that generate distrust and a negative image in popular culture.
In a sociological context, cults may have a unique belief system, different from the doctrinal body of the parent religion. In addition, they are often associated with the worship or following of a charismatic leader. This individual wields considerable power over the members of the cult, which can lead to the isolation of the group from outside society. Cult leaders often claim higher spiritual authority, even above traditional sacred figures or texts.
Another key difference between a religion and a sect is that the latter tends to have a degree of tension with the outside society, questioning the majority social and moral norms. In many cases, cults adopt an apocalyptic or millenarian approach, believing that they are the only legitimate path to salvation or an imminent divine revelation.
Key differences between religion and sect
- Structure: While religions typically have a recognized hierarchical structure, sects are typically organized around a charismatic leader and have a looser structure.
- Access: Religions are inclusive and allow new followers to join through rituals such as baptism (in Christianity) or the shahada (in Islam), while sects tend to be exclusive and more selective.
- Relationship with society: Religions tend to integrate into social and political life, being influential in laws, while sects tend to separate and form closed communities.
- Tension with other beliefs: While established religions tend to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue, sects can be more rigid and unwilling to accept other points of view.
Recognized religions vs. sects today
One of the reasons why cults are often perceived negatively is because of their minority nature and lack of social or legal recognition. While established religions such as Christianity or Islam have millions of followers, institutions and belief systems that have endured for centuries, cults are often more recent movements, persecuted or questioned. This is largely because, in many cases, cults promote ideas that run counter to commonly accepted social norms.
An example of this is the emergence of new religious movementsThese groups, often considered sects due to their size and lack of seniority, promote doctrines that challenge traditional religions. Some sociologists prefer to avoid the word "sect" because of its negative connotation and opt for terms such as alternative religious movements o new religions.
Although some sects have been classified as harmless, others have been in the eye of the storm for cases of mental manipulation or even physical violence, as has happened in sects with leaders who promote collective suicides or total isolation of their members.
Finally, it is worth clarifying that a sect is not always a negative entity. The beginnings of many current religions, such as Christianity itself, were sectarian in nature. What defines a sect is not so much its behavior, but its relationship to a parent religion and its distinctive organizational structure.
The debate over the difference between sect and religion remains a complex issue. However, understanding the aspects that make up both, their similarities and differences, allows us to have a better appreciation of the different types of spiritual beliefs and how they influence the lives of people and society.