Sectarian groups
Subject: What defines sectarianism?
Seeing as the word 'sect' is a negative and obscure definition, it does not make sense to use
the word when referring to sociological groups – according to popular opinion. More neutral
definitions like 'religious movement' are typically used regarding the sociological groups,
while the more condescending word 'sect' is used to point out behavior that can occur in
new religious groups, and in the state church and groups of any kind.
Sectarianism is marked by these phenomenons: All signs need not be present for a group to
have sectarian tendencies:
Fanaticism:
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When the ends justify the means there will also be extreme control and
undermining of critical thinking.
•
The opinions of the leader stands above the authority of The Word of God. The
doctrine is: Either you submit to what the leader represents (Even if it is Biblically
incorrect) If you do not submit, you will be thrown out of the group and shunned. In fear of
being thrown out people often choose to submit to the leader.
•
Individual opinions that are contrary to the the opinions of the leader are not
permitted.
Elitism and selective ethics:
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The leader and the elite-group see themselves as the a spiritual elite who hold
the patent on the truth.
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The truths that are in the Bible are switched with the current goals of the sect.
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As the sect progresses the opinions of the leader becomes the absolute truth.
Everyone is expected to submit to the views of the leader, even if they are contrary to the
Word of God. The word of the leader is law.
•
People are treated according to various moral codes, in respect to if they are
outside of the sect, in the sect or in the elite-group.
•
The children of the elite-group often have more liberties to behave badly, than
all others in the sect, as no one dares to object to their behavior because of their parent's
high standing.
•
An 'us and them' thinking arises in the sect.
New language:
•
The leader and the elite-group develop their own internal language with cliches
that are fitted to the goals of the sect, which serve to block all critical thinking. These
cliches are often, but not always, connected to the vision of the sect.
Obvious power distribution and selective power depletion.
•
The power of the elite-group is immense.
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Ordinary members of the sect are kept in fear and dependance on the good
favor of the leaders.
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If anyone stands up against the leader the punishment is severe.
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Members of the sect are denied any connection with those that are thrown out,
and those who left the sect by their own accord.
•
The members of the sect are isolated from society (separated from family, TV,
radio and books etc.) This makes the members even more dependent on the leader and the
fellowship of the sect.
Manipulative recruitment:
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New members are are let in gradually, so that they don't learn about the true
agenda and doctrine of the group.
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At first there is a lot of talk about love and freedom
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After a while the noose tightens. Typically the teaching turns to how the
members ought to be under a leader that can speak into their lives, and that the members
should submit to everything these leaders say, and do everything they ask the members to
do. If the members refuse, then the members are labeled rebellious, outside the will of God,
lost, etc.
•
The leaders keep saying that the things they do to the members is because they
love them, and that the leaders stand responsible for them if anything goes wrong, etc.
•
Later in the process the members are gradually isolated from everyone who
have a difference of opinion with the elite-group.
•
After a while the members no longer have their own personal opinions. Their
opinion is the opinion of the leader.
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At this point the members no longer have their previous connection with their
circle of friends. All those whom the elite-group does not approve of must not have any
relationship with the members of the sect, because they are said to be outside the will of
God.
•
The members are now caught. Then anxiety to adapt to the whims of the leader
are still present, because the members are afraid of being thrown out of the group.
Regardless of what the members are being asked to do they will do out of fear.
Indoctrinating adjustment of behavior:
•
Through a system of reward and punishment the members learn to think and act
in line with what the elite-group finds useful.