Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2011 8:09:11 GMT -5
Feb 23, 2011 22:40:42 GMT -5 @clearday said:
Here's one: "one of a party in religion which has separated itself from established church, or which holds tenets different from those of the prevailing denomination in a state."
This indicates exclusivity.
Read more: www.brainyquote.com/words/se/sectarian217233.html#ixzz1EqOIclC0
I dont see separating and "holding different tenets" to mean a group is exclusive.
To me "Exclusive" means the group believes they are God's only true way.
Yes, sects generally separate from another body and they hold differing beliefs from that body they came out of - they start small and those that grow larger and organize may become denominations. But IMO they are not necessarily exclusive (using my definition of excl).
Step back and look at the big picture. You never see terms like "denominational violence" but you frequently see the term "sectarian violence" and there is a reason for that. Sectarianism implies that the other groups have no value because of their exclusivity toward each other.
The Sectarian violence of Northern Ireland was between Catholics and Protestants. Perhaps someone from Northern Ireland could confirm that the history of that sectarian conflict includes two groups of extremists who believe that the other group is not saved. It sure isn't "denominational" violence.
Distinct exclusive groups are always considered sectarian, not denominations. Hutterites and Dukhobours are not considered denominations, but sects. Mormons and JWs are not considered denominations either but sects. These all have exclusive elements or exclusive foundations.
Exclusivity or exclusive tendencies definitely are distinguishing features of sects which doesn't exist in denominationalism. Of course denominations are exclusive too, but not with each other.
Thanks for bringing this up.....it has clarified the concepts for me!