Some define sect to mean a group that has broken away from an established religion. Others apply the term to a group that follows a particular human leader or teacher. The term is usually used in a derogatory way. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not an offshoot of some church but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds. They do not look to any human, but rather to Jesus Christ, as their leader.
A cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. The standard for what is orthodox, however, should be God’s Word, and Jehovah’s Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. Their worship is a way of life, not a ritual devotion. They neither follow a human nor isolate themselves from the rest of society. They live and work in the midst of other people.
Can't they be both? I'd say all denominations of Christianity, including non-trinitarians, qualify as both, although they have varying degrees of unity.
Hubby and I travelled to USA earlier this year and met hundreds of brothers we have never even heard of before but we were made SO welcome and as we toured Brooklyn, Wallkill and Paterson to see the geographical sights . .the warmth of the brothers was the highlight, many from all kinds of nations too.
Hubby and I travelled to USA earlier this year and met hundreds of brothers we have never even heard of before but we were made SO welcome and as we toured Brooklyn, Wallkill and Paterson to see the geographical sights . .the warmth of the brothers was the highlight, many from all kinds of nations too.