What is sectarianism?

Answer

To be sectarian is to have a limited range of interests, purposes, or scopes, or to be devoted to a particularly narrow tradition or belief system. The term sectarianism originates from the root sect, which also gives rise to the term section. Frequently, religious or political groups divide into smaller “sections” known as “sects.” Ideological conflicts can emerge among these smaller groups. At times, individuals who strictly adhere to a specific sect may harbor hatred or bigotry towards those from other sects, regardless of how closely aligned their ideologies may be.

Sectarianism arises from different, albeit related, groups upholding a strict division. For instance, the Mormonism movement encompasses various sects. The primary sects include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ. Other sects within the same church consist of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), the Church of Jesus Christ, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and, at one point, the Rigdonites.

Sectarianism can sometimes escalate into violence. Notable examples include the Nationalists versus the Unionists in Northern Ireland and the Sunni versus Shia Muslims. Typically, conflicts stem from the belief that the ideologies of opposing sects cannot peacefully coexist without causing harm to the religion or political entity as a whole.

Within authentic Christianity, there exist numerous sects and denominations. Fortunately, sectarianism within Christianity seldom results in physical violence. However, it can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary divisions. While we must defend the faith and uphold the gospel against those who distort the grace of God (Jude 1:3-4), truth, by its very nature, excludes falsehood, necessitating a separation from heresy. Nonetheless, much of the conflict within the church is avoidable and contrary to biblical teachings (2 Timothy 2:23; Ephesians 4:1-8). Spiritual maturity is linked to unity, achievable as God’s people gather around His Word and find agreement (Ephesians 4:13-16). Divisions in Christianity often arise from differing interpretations of truth and traditions, rather than differing truths.

Jesus encountered sectarianism among His disciples. One day, John approached Jesus and said, “Teacher . . . we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us” «And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. », (Mark 9:38). Instead of praising John’s zeal, Jesus rebuked his sectarianism: “Do not stop him. . . . For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward” (Mark 9:39-41).

This incident teaches us several things. Firstly, the Lord can work through individuals outside our “sect.” John and the disciples assumed that the exorcist, not part of the Twelve, was not a true follower of Christ. Jesus corrected them, stating they had no authority to stop the man. Additionally, we learn that the Lord’s plans may be unknown to us. He doesn’t require our permission to act; if He chooses to work through someone unaffiliated with our group, that is His prerogative. Sectarianism is not in line with Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus barred by the words “whoever is not against us is for us.”

The significant details about the exorcist in Mark 9 are that he was utilizing his gift in the name of the Lord and that Jesus approved of him. We should not presume that other Christians are not genuinely serving the Lord just because they do not move in our circles. Any act in Christ’s name, even simply providing a cup of water to a disciple, will be rewarded. We should allow the Giver of all good gifts to distribute the rewards as He deems appropriate. We can prevent sectarianism by enabling God’s Spirit to operate in us, for peace is a result of the Spirit of Christ (Galatians 5:22;Colossians 3:15).