What is sectarianism?
What Is Sectarianism?
A Baptist Perspective
Sectarianism refers to the excessive attachment or loyalty to a particular sect, group, or denomination to the exclusion of others, often leading to division and hostility. The word sectarianism comes from the root word sect, which is derived from the Latin word secta, meaning “way” or “school of thought.” A sect is a smaller group that has separated from a larger organization due to differing beliefs, interpretations, or practices. In its most harmful form, sectarianism manifests as division, bigotry, or even hatred toward those outside one’s group, regardless of how closely related their beliefs might be.
Sectarianism is not limited to religion; it can also appear in political, cultural, or ideological contexts. However, within the Christian faith, sectarianism typically arises when groups place undue emphasis on secondary or non-essential doctrines or practices, elevating them to a status that causes unnecessary division within the body of Christ.
Sectarianism in Non-Christian Contexts
An example of sectarianism outside of Christianity is found within the Mormon religion. While Mormonism itself is a cult that deviates from biblical Christianity, it contains numerous sects, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), the Community of Christ, and others. These sects often have bitter disagreements over their interpretations of Mormon doctrine. Similarly, sectarianism is a hallmark of division within Islam, where Sunni and Shia Muslims have been engaged in violent conflicts for centuries due to differing views on leadership and doctrine.
Sectarianism Within Christianity
Sectarianism within Christianity does not often lead to physical violence, but it can still result in significant misunderstanding, animosity, and division. While the Bible clearly teaches the importance of contending for the faith and separating from false teaching (Jude 1:3–4), it also condemns unnecessary and unbiblical divisions. As Christians, we must distinguish between the essentials of the faith, which require unity, and non-essential matters, where diversity can be allowed.
Paul addresses unnecessary conflict within the church in 2 Timothy 2:23, saying:
"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife."
Furthermore, Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians 4:1–6 to prioritize unity in the Spirit:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
Sectarianism within Christianity often arises from differing applications of truth, preferences in worship style, or adherence to traditions rather than outright disagreements on essential doctrines. This type of division weakens the Church’s witness to the world and contradicts Christ’s prayer for unity.
Jesus’ Teaching Against Sectarianism
Jesus directly addressed sectarian attitudes among His disciples. In Mark 9:38–41, we read:
"Now John answered Him, saying, 'Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.' But Jesus said, 'Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.'”
This passage reveals several key principles:
God Uses People Outside Our Group: The unnamed exorcist was not part of the Twelve, yet he was serving God faithfully. Jesus affirmed his work, showing that God can use people outside our immediate circle.
God’s Work Is Not Limited by Human Boundaries: The disciples assumed that only their group had the authority to act in Jesus’ name. Jesus corrected this misconception, reminding them that God’s work is broader than their understanding.
Sectarianism Undermines the Kingdom of God: By forbidding the exorcist, the disciples were hindering God’s work. Sectarianism often leads to unnecessary opposition to those whom God is using for His glory.
Faithful Service Will Be Rewarded: Jesus emphasizes that any service done in His name, even something as simple as giving a cup of water, will be rewarded. This underscores the importance of focusing on serving Christ rather than dividing over non-essentials.
The Dangers of Sectarianism
Sectarianism has several negative consequences within the Church:
Division Among Believers: Sectarianism creates unnecessary divisions within the body of Christ, hindering our ability to work together for the Kingdom. Paul warns against such divisions in 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, saying:
"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"Loss of Witness to the World: Jesus prayed for unity among His followers so that the world would believe in Him. In John 17:20–21, Jesus says:
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."Quenching the Work of the Holy Spirit: Sectarianism often hinders the Spirit’s work by focusing on human traditions and divisions rather than God’s mission. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 warns:
"Do not quench the Spirit."Promotion of Pride and Legalism: Sectarianism elevates one’s own group or tradition above others, fostering pride and legalism. This attitude runs counter to the humility required of God’s people, as seen in Philippians 2:3:
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
How to Avoid Sectarianism
Focus on Christ: Keep the gospel central. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:2:
"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."Emphasize Unity in Essentials: Follow the principle, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
Trust God’s Sovereignty: Allow God to work through people and groups outside your own denomination or tradition.
Seek Peace and Reconciliation: Pursue peace with others and strive for unity in the Spirit. Romans 12:18 says:
"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."Rely on the Holy Spirit: Allow the Spirit to guide your interactions and cultivate the fruit of peace. Galatians 5:22 reminds us:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
Conclusion
Sectarianism is a human tendency that leads to division, pride, and misunderstanding. While it is essential to contend for the faith and defend sound doctrine, we must avoid unnecessary division over non-essential matters. Instead, believers are called to unity in Christ, love for one another, and cooperation in advancing God’s Kingdom.
As Colossians 3:15 exhorts:
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."
By focusing on Christ and striving for unity, we can overcome sectarianism and reflect God’s love to a watching world.
