[x]

Isn’t every branch of a religion a denomination or “sect?”

[Dr. Sivana]

Isn’t every branch of a religion a denomination or “sect?”

Since the author was speaking sociologically, I believe some but not all religious adherents would be part of a sect. A Protestant who is indifferent as to whether he is in a mainstream Lutheran Church or mainstream Methodist Church would hardly be considered an adherent to a sect. A Reformed Jew who identifies socially with the customs of Judaism but only follows specifically Jewish laws when it suits his fancy, and visits a Synagogue maybe on Yom Kippur, or not, would hardly be sectarian. A Jack Mormon who wants to get along with his friends and family, but grabs a Mocha Latte whenever he is out of town is hardly a sectarian, nor is a Muslim who is born in Saudi Arabia and does just enough to not get his hand or head chopped off, and will say nice things about Mohammad because, well, everybody does.

I am a traditionally-minded Catholic, but thought the article to be thoughtful and well-written.