What is the primary focus of a sect in religious terms?

The primary focus of a sect in religious terms typically centers on a return to the original religious vision. Sects often emerge when a group believes that the established religion has deviated from its original teachings or core principles. They seek to recapture what they perceive as the pure, authentic beliefs and practices that characterized the early followers of the faith. This can involve strict adherence to certain texts or doctrines and may lead to a lifestyle that prioritizes these original tenets over more modern interpretations.

In contrast, higher membership often characterizes established religions or denominations rather than sects, which may intentionally limit their size to maintain a strong sense of community and shared beliefs. Social integration is more relevant to larger, more inclusive faiths which focus on harmonizing beliefs within society. Political involvement might be a characteristic of some religious groups, but it is not a defining aspect of sects, which are more focused on spiritual purity and doctrinal correctness than on engaging in the political arena.