This PPT Aims to Provide knowledge and Understanding about the concept of Sects, Characteristics of Sects, Origins of Sects, Sects in Hinduism, Examples of Sects, Growth of Sects, Decline of Sects, Impact of Sects and so on.

1. SECTS IN RELIGION
By
Monojit Gope
Research Scholar

2. INTRODUCTION
A sects is a religious group that has broken away from a larger
religious tradition.
Sects are often founded on the basis of new or different beliefs
or practices.
Sects can be small or large, and they can be found in all major
religions.

3. DEFINITION
A sect is a religious group that has broken away from a larger religious
tradition. Sects are often founded on the basis of new or different beliefs or
practices. Sects can be small or large, and they can be found in all major
religions.
The term "sect" comes from the Latin word "secta," which means "a way" or "a
path." In the context of religion, a sect is a group that follows a particular way
of life or set of beliefs that is different from the mainstream religious tradition.

4. ORIGINS OF SECTS
• Sects can arise for a variety of reasons, including:
Disagreements over doctrine or interpretation of scripture.
A desire for a more radical or traditional form of religion.
A sense of alienation from the larger religious community.
In some cases, sects may be founded by charismatic leaders who claim to
have received new revelations from God.

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF SECTS
Sects typically have a charismatic leader who is seen as the source of
authority.
Sects often have strict rules and regulations that govern the behavior of
their members.
Sects often have a strong sense of community and identity.
Sects can be controversial, and they may be viewed with suspicion by the
larger society.

6. EXAMPLES OF SECTS
• Some examples of sects include:
The Amish.
The Jehovah's Witnesses.
The Mormons.
The Branch Davidians.
The Peoples Temple.

7. SECTS IN HINDUISM
Some of the major sects in Hinduism include:
Vaishnavism is the sect that worships Vishnu as the supreme being. Vaishnavas
believe that Vishnu is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. They
also believe that Vishnu has taken many incarnations, including Krishna and
Rama.
Shaivism is the sect that worships Shiva as the supreme being. Shaivites
believe that Shiva is the destroyer and transformer of the universe. They also
believe that Shiva is the source of all energy and power.

8. SECTS IN HINDUISM
Shaktism is the sect that worships Shakti, the divine feminine. Shaktas
believe that Shakti is the creative and destructive force of the universe.
They also believe that Shakti is the source of all love and compassion.
Smartism is a non-sectarian tradition that accepts all of the major deities
of Hinduism. Smartas believe that all of the deities are manifestations of
the same supreme being. They also believe that the goal of life is to
achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

9. SECTS VS. MAINSTREAM RELIGIONS
• Highlight the differences between sects and mainstream religions:
Size and influence: Sects are often smaller and have less societal influence
than mainstream religions.
Doctrinal differences: Sects may hold distinct beliefs or interpretations that
differ from mainstream teachings.
Organizational structure: Sects may have more decentralized or charismatic
leadership compared to hierarchical structures of mainstream religions.

10. SECTARIANISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS
Sectarianism is a form of religious discrimination or conflict between different sects
within a single religion.
Interfaith relations are the interactions between people of different religions.
Sectarianism and interfaith relations are often at odds with each other, as sectarianism
can lead to violence and hatred between different religious groups.
However, it is possible to promote interfaith relations and reduce sectarianism, and
there are many organizations and individuals working to do just that.

11. GROWTH AND DECLINE OF SECTS
Some sects grow rapidly and become major religious movements, while others remain small
and marginalized.
• The success of a sect is often influenced by a number of factors, including:
The charisma of the leader.
The appeal of the sect's message.
The sect's ability to adapt to changing social and cultural conditions.
Some sects decline and eventually disappear, while others merge with other religious groups or
become absorbed into the larger religious tradition.

12. IMPACT OF SECTS ON SOCIETY
Sects can have a significant impact on society, both positive and negative.
On the positive side, sects can provide a sense of community and identity for
their members, and they can also play a role in social welfare and education.
On the negative side, sects can be divisive and can lead to conflict with the
larger society.
In some cases, sects have been involved in violence and other criminal activity.

13. CONCLUSION
Sects are a complex and diverse group of religious groups that play an
important role in the world.
Sects can provide a sense of community and identity for their members,
and they can also be a source of controversy.
It is important to understand the characteristics of sects in order to
appreciate their role in society.

14. THANK YOU