Posted by Harold [harold] on October 25, 1999 at 07:03:47 {DjTI9F5X/Y61p6sL3HUsdt40fI85yM}:
In Reply to: Cult or Sect? posted by Kinsman on October 24, 1999 at 14:20:29:
Hello Kinsman,
I think that the question of whether a particular denomination/religious group is a cult or a sect can be a very subjective one. I don't think that every cult or sect exhibits ALL of the characteristics of it's respective category. I think that one person's impression of a group might be different from another's. I suppose, (using the JWs as an example) that if one decides that JWs exhibit ENOUGH characteristics to identify them as a cult, then as far as their concerned - they're a cult. Another might decide that JWs don't have enough cult characteristics so to them they may see JWs as a sect. Either one is right, according to the reasons that are personally important to themselves.
In addition, local congregations of a particular group will differ from other congregations in how much control they exert on the local flock. The level of "shepherding" will vary from congregation to congregation, so I think that whether you would view a religion as a cult or sect may depend on what impressions you gather at the local level.
That's just my take on it...
Have a good day...
Harold