The term sect is often used to describe a great variety of religious phenomena. In some places the term is even used to refer to Protestant churches. How, then, can one distinguish a sect from a legitimate religious movement? This is the purpose of a book recently published by Jean Vanier, «Nuovi movimenti. Sette cristiane o segni dello Spirito» (Italy, Piemme). According to the report in the newspaper «Avvenire» (8/6/99), the book contains several criteria for judging religious movements. Vanier proposes five elements that can help identify a sect.
1) A sect is closed in on itself and is often dominated by an omnipotent guru, regarded as the only prophet and savior. Only the sect possesses the truth, and no other form of authority is tolerated. Moreover, contact with other ways of thinking or acting is forbidden.
2) The sect itself presents itself as the savior of the world or of individuals, with an entirely new message that is unique for everyone. This message gives complete meaning to the existence of its members and a strong motivation for proselytism.
3) For those who become part of the sect, society is divided between good and bad, saved and condemned. Walls are raised between the two categories, making dialogue difficult, and there is a radical separation from families, old friends, and the rest of society.
4) The members of the sect are required to sacrifice their own conscience, their freedom, and their own capacity to judge. They must follow the absolute certainties and objectives of the group. Moreover, the intelligence of the members of the sect is manipulated: they repeat slogans and obey more than they seek the truth.
5) People who are distressed, fragile, and isolated are attracted to this type of group. Being insecure about oneself makes the certainty and clear objectives of the sect attractive. In this way anxieties and loneliness are eliminated, and a direction is given to one’s own life. This makes it difficult for a person to leave the group, because he or she would run the risk of finding himself or herself once again in anxiety and loneliness.
Vanier admits that some of these characteristics may be present in a Christian movement, especially in movements that are in the first years of their existence. Nevertheless, there are clear differences between Christian movements and sects.
1) The community is at the service of every person in order to foster spiritual growth and to deepen personal conscience. The community encourages the formation of its members in spiritual and theological fields, using the resources of the Church and of society in accordance with the content of the Word of God, the life of the Spirit, and true humanity. Moreover, a high value is given to the spiritual vocation of each member, above the desire to increase the number of members of the movement.
2) A community is not closed in on itself, but forms an integral part of the Church. Moreover, in cases of conflict it is the Church herself that intervenes as mediator. This external authority guarantees that people are truly free and can continue to grow toward greater freedom and maturity.
3) Although in the beginning there may be a certain rigidity, with time greater discernment and dialogue arrive. Authority is exercised in order to help each person grow and assume greater responsibility.
