Sects refer to distinct groups or subgroups within a larger religious, philosophical, or ideological tradition that possess unique beliefs, practices, or interpretations. These subgroups often emerge within a religion or belief system due to disagreements or divergent viewpoints on various religious doctrines, rituals, or organizational structures. The term "sects" can also be applied to non-religious groups that share a common ideology or set of principles.
Sects typically have their own leaders, scriptures, rituals, and often distinct places of worship. They may vary in size, ranging from relatively small and localized communities to large and influential movements. Sects often aim to preserve and promote a particular interpretation of their shared tradition, focusing on specific aspects that they consider essential or neglected.
Throughout history, various sects have emerged within major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Examples include the Protestant Reformation in Christianity, which led to the formation of numerous Protestant sects, and the Sunni-Shiite divide in Islam. However, sects can also form within smaller religious or spiritual movements, as well as within non-religious contexts, such as political ideologies or social movements.
It is important to note that the term "sects" is often value-neutral and does not imply judgment on the legitimacy or correctness of a particular group's beliefs or practices. Instead, it highlights the diversity and multiplicity of expressions within religious, philosophical, or ideological traditions.
