A sect is a religious group, community, or other subgroup that has broken away from a dominant religious trend. See Differences between a sect and other types of regional organizations
In everyday usage, a sect is the harmful isolation of a group, and sectarians are members of a closed group with dangerous tendencies. Types of sects:
- Classical sects
- New sects (new religious movements)
- The concept of a sect in Buddhism
The terms Totalitarian and destructive sects were introduced into use by the Orthodox figure A. L. Dvorkin, presumably in 1993, and found use almost exclusively in the publicist and works of A. L. Dvorkin himself and several of his followers. There are no academic definitions for these concepts, which allows them to be used arbitrarily, more often judging the organization on the basis of certain indirect signs. See Dangerous sect: signs
Dangerous organizations
In itself, the isolation of any group does not mean anything. Many elite political, musical and artistic clubs and groups are very closed, but they are not a danger to society, but a source of pride. On the other hand, some closed groups and organizations can pose a danger to society or individual members, regardless of what interests they have in common: religious views, social views, political benefits, or worldly, including psychological interests. In a civilized society, where the presumption of innocence operates, only the law, specifically the prosecutor’s office, can determine the public danger of an organization or group.
On the other hand, caring about the safety of themselves and their loved ones, people are naturally guided by everyday observations and considerations so as not to contact scammers and dangerous groups and organizations. In some religious organizations you will be pushed to give up your property in their favor, in organizations like a financial pyramid you will be attracted by wonderful incomes … Reasonable caution is always needed. See Dangerous sect: signs
As for organizations working in the field of practical psychology, the main danger here is not dangerous sects, but unprofessionalism. See Bad Training, Under the Brand of Training