Sect vs. cult

[Gregory Matthews]

I have recently seen Internet blogs in which mention was made of the SDA Church and whether or not it was either a sect or a cult.  I  have been  concerned in that often these posts have  used those words   in ways that differ from what I believe to be appropriate.

 

In modern use those terms have been applied to much more that religious groups.  From that perspective, dictionary definitions may differ somewhat from what I see as an appropriate definition for their use as applied to a religious group.

 

Here is how I use them, as applied to religious groups.

 

Sect:  A subgroup of a larger group, which differs in some ways from other subgroups within that larger group, but is still considered to be a part of the larger group.

 

Example:  If Christianity is considered to be the larger group, :individual subgroups, or sects, could be Baptists, Methodists, Catholics and more.

 

Cult:  A group which may have some ties with a larger group, but differs to an extent that it is not   considered to be a part of that larger group.

 

Example:  If Judaism is considered to be the larger group, then Messianic Jew might be considered to be part of a cult.

 

NOTE:  I am aware that some will disagree with the above example.   Simply look at it from the perspective of making a point.

 

In any case from the perspective above, Adventism is properly a sect, but not a cult.

[JoeMo]

Adventism is not a cult; however, certain very vocal SDA subcultures make it appear to be one.  There are many very vocal SDA groups who appear to put EGW's writings on an equal par with scripture, in spite of her admonition not to do so.  I would submit that those people whose only contact with Adventism is through those subcultures would have adequate reason to consider Adventism to be a cult.  Putting another's writings on an equal or higher plane than scripture is what defines a cult for me.

[Gregory Matthews]

I agree.

[Outta Here]

 

Here is how I use them, as applied to religious groups.

 

Sect:  A subgroup of a larger group, which differs in some ways from other subgroups within that larger group, but is still considered to be a part of the larger group.

 

Example:  If Christianity is considered to be the larger group, :individual subgroups, or sects, could be Baptists, Methodists, Catholics and more.

 

Cult:  A group which may have some ties with a larger group, but differs to an extent that it is not   considered to be a part of that larger group.

 

Example:  If Judaism is considered to be the larger group, then Messianic Jew might be considered to be part of a cult.

 

NOTE:  I am aware that some will disagree with the above example.   Simply look at it from the perspective of making a point.

 

In any case from the perspective above, Adventism is properly a sect, but not a cult.

I find that from an Adventist's perspective, Adventism is a sect of Christianity. But, from the eyes of a Lutheran or a Baptist (as these are the only other religions of people I've asked) using the same definitions above, Adventism is a cult. 

[Gregory Matthews]

It depends upon who you talk to.  I am well aquainted with Lutherans and Baptists who do not believe that we are a cult.  On the other hand, some of our members may relate to others as a cult.

[aka]

"In any case from the perspective above, Adventism is properly a sect, but not a cult."

 

Whew! I'm glad we got that settled.

 

 

 

 

 

[Gregory Matthews]

Yes, and part of this has been from the perspective of getting settled an issue that has concerned many peop0le.  Glad you are relieved!  

[fccool]

Semantics of the word "cult" is generally broad, thus everyone generally uses this term subjectively, but you are correct.

 

The main difference is that sect is a split from a group, while cults arise spontaneously around a novel personality or a belief... for example Scientology or new Age gurus.

[Gregory Matthews]

Well, the meanings of the words that we use are important.  That includes understanding the dictionary meanings as well as the professional meanings that scholars often attach to words.