sectarian etymology

Etymology:

  • Origin: Latin sectare ("to follow")
  • Derivation: sec- (stem of sequi, "to follow") + -tarius (suffix indicating a follower or adherent)

Meaning and Origin:

Sectarian refers to:

  • Relating to or adhering to a particular religious sect or denomination.
  • Narrow-minded or biased in one's views, especially toward different religious beliefs.

Origin in Religious Context:

The term "sectarian" emerged in the early Christian church to describe groups that deviated from the official doctrine and practices of the mainstream church. These groups, often led by charismatic figures, were viewed as "sects" (from the Latin secta, meaning "a faction" or "a group following a particular teacher").

Meaning in Modern Usage:

Over time, the term "sectarian" has broadened to include any group or belief system that is:

  • Distinct from mainstream religious or political ideologies.
  • Characterized by rigid adherence to its own doctrines and practices.
  • Inclined to view other beliefs or practices with hostility or intolerance.

Key Characteristics of Sectarianism:

  • Exclusivism: Belief that one's sect is the only true path to salvation or righteous living.
  • Dogmatism: Insistence on strict adherence to the sect's doctrines and practices, without allowing for alternative interpretations.
  • Us vs. Them Mentality: Division of the world into insiders (the sect's members) and outsiders (everyone else).
  • Isolationism: Discouragement of contact or interaction with outsiders.
  • Authoritarianism: Subordination of individual beliefs and actions to the authority of sect leaders.

sectarian relate terms

  • sect

    Etymology The word sect is derived from the Latin word secta meaning a cutting or

  • sectary

    Etymology Middle English secretarie from Old French secretarie from Church Latin sec

  • sect

    Etymology The word sect is derived from the Latin word secta meaning a cutting or

  • latitudinarian

    Etymology Late Latin latitudinarius widener broadener From Medieval Latin latitu

  • Episcopalian

    Etymology Episcopal is derived from the Late Latin word episcopalis which means rel

  • doctor

    Etymology The word doctor derives from the Latin word docēre meaning to teach M

  • vaccination

    Etymology The word vaccination is derived from the Latin word vacca meaning cow

  • edifice

    Etymology The word edifice is derived from the Latin word aedificium which means bu

  • philosophy

    Etymology The word philosophy is derived from the Greek words philo φίλο meani

  • forget

    Forget Etymology Old English forgietan from Proto Germanic for getan to forget neg

  • crown

    Etymology Middle English corone from Old French corone from Latin corona from Gree

  • society

    Etymology The word society comes from the Latin word societas which means associat

  • analogy

    Etymology The word analogy comes from the Greek word analogia which is itself derive