denominationalism
Church brand loyalty
Denominationalism is loyalty to or emphasis on the distinctions between religious denominations, particularly Christian ones.
The term often carries a critical edge, suggesting that sectarian divisions distract from broader spiritual unity: The ecumenical movement arose as a response to denominationalism.
It can also refer neutrally to a system where multiple denominations coexist: American denominationalism allows diverse traditions to flourish.
Prejudiced loyalty to subgroups
- schismFormal organizational fracture
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
- disunityAbsence of accord
- splinteringBreaking into sharp fragments
factionalism · separation · rift · polarization · discord · partisanship · dissension · strife
Statement of belief
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- orthodoxyAdherence to accepted beliefs
- catechismReligious teaching guide
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
canon · heresy · sacrament · liturgy · ordination · polity · ecclesiology · eschatology
Across religious boundaries
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- reconciliationRestoration of friendly relations
pluralism · inclusivity · convergence · fellowship · communion · council · accord · collaboration
Formal organizational connection
- membershipState of belonging
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
community · belonging · loyalty · self-identification · distinctiveness · boundaries · in-group · label
sectarianism
Prejudiced loyalty to subgroups
- schismFormal organizational fracture
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
- disunityAbsence of accord
splintering · factionalism · separation · rift · polarization · discord · partisanship · dissension · strife · cleavage
creed
Statement of belief
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- orthodoxyAdherence to accepted beliefs
- catechismReligious teaching guide
confession · canon · heresy · sacrament · liturgy · ordination · polity · ecclesiology · eschatology · predestination
interfaith
Across religious boundaries
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
reconciliation · pluralism · inclusivity · convergence · fellowship · communion · council · accord · collaboration · tolerance
affiliation
Formal organizational connection
- membershipState of belonging
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- traditionCustom passed through generations
heritage · community · belonging · loyalty · self-identification · distinctiveness · boundaries · in-group · label · badge
denominationalismecumenism
Movement toward religious unity
ecumenicalism · Christian unity · church unity · nondenominationalism · religious pluralism
denominationalismnondenominationalism
Rejection of sectarian labels
universalism · nonsectarianism · broad church · religious pluralism · syncretism
denomination, denominate, denominational, denominations, nondenominational, interdenominational