When (and how) does one differentiate a religion from a sect ?

Question

When (and how) does one differentiate a religion from a sect ?

In: 1

Answer 1

There is no hard and fast rule, but _generally_ speaking, a sect still sees itself as part of a larger religious belief system, with _minor_ aspects adjusted/changed. So, for example, both Presbyterians and Baptists see themselves as _sects_ of Christianity – they hold the same holy book and believe in the same Trinity, but differ on some of the more specific aspects of the faith.

Contrast this with Christianity and Islam – they have different holy books and believe in a very different stories of prophets and God(s).