Types of sects Flashcards
Established sects
Some argue that sects usually have a short life span and either fade away or turn into a more established denomination.
Wilson rejected this view pointing to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons as examples of long-standing groups that have retained their sect-like features and not become denominations.
Aldridge says that some sects that have existed a long time have been successful in socialising their children into acceptance of the sect’s beliefs and practices. They have also remained true to the original teachings of the sect by maintaining strict standards of conduct and expelling those who fail to conform to these standards
Conversionist sects
Wilson suggested that what he called ‘conversionist’ sects were the most likely to develop into a denomination.
These are sects which think that the best way to save the world is to be engaged with it, and to try to change or convert individuals by spreading the religious message and ‘saving souls’. Should they be successful, and win a lot of support, they may turn into a denomination, but this does not prevent them carrying on as they were when they were a small sect. The Salvation Army is an example of a small former conversionist sect that has turned into a denomination.
Introversionist sects
Introversionist sects are those, like the Amish, which believe that the only route to salvation involves total withdrawal from the corrupting influences of the world and becoming inward-looking (introverted). Trying to convert people by going outside the sect to preach is likely to be a polluting and corrupting experience, and would compromise and destroy the fundamental beliefs of the sect.
Revolutionary sects
These are organisations such as David Koresh Branch Davidians or the Jim Jones People’s Temple, who hold millenarian beliefs (the world is going to end in a sudden catastrophe) that suggest there is going to be some form of imminent, sudden, dramatic and catastrophic destruction of the evil and ungodly world, and only the exclusive few selected members of the sect will be saved.
They may try to spread their beliefs, but there can be no question of compromise with the world, watering down of beliefs, or tolerance of other beliefs, as otherwise they would be counted among the sinners and cast aside when Judgement Day arrives. Such sects cannot compromise with other beliefs without abandoning the very beliefs and values and exclusivity on which their own sect is founded.
