Sectarian traits in the Society of Christian Doctrine

Abstract

The main purpose of this essay is to apply my reading in the sociology of Religion to the Society of Christian Doctrine. Very often, when reading about sect-type of religious organizations in sociology, I could not help thinking of the S.D.C., especially in its early years. The Society does not fully qualify as a sect for a number of reasons. Sects present themselves as the door to salvation open for all, but at the same time guaranteeing salvation only to the few who come through it. The SD.C. does not open its door for all and does not claim to be the only vehicle of salvation. Yet, there are quite a number of sectarian characteristics which the S.D.C. has in common with sects. The word "sect" sounds offensive to our ears. Most sects call themselves "churches". Here, I am not interested to present the criteria according to which we may differentiate between churches and sects. I am only after an analysis of types of religious organizations. There are certain types of religious organizations which we associate with sects in sociology. These types of organizations have a number of characteristics which I mean to identify and look for in the S.D.C.