subsects
Groups within groups
Subsects are smaller divisions within a larger sect, typically religious groups that have split from or formed within an established sect over doctrinal differences or leadership disputes.
The term implies a hierarchy of fragmentation—a sect breaks from a major religion, then subsects break from the sect: The movement splintered into numerous subsects, each claiming authentic interpretation of the founder's teachings.
Crack or estrangement
- discordLack of agreement
- dissentDisagreement with authority
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
breakaway · splintering · polarization · disunion · separation · dispute · controversy · conflict
Named values or faiths
- cultsDeviant religious groups
- sectsReligious offshoots
- sectarianismPrejudiced loyalty to subgroups
- monasticismCloistered religious living
mysticism · gnosticism · puritanism · fundamentalism · evangelicalism · revivalism · pietism · quietism
Breakaway subsets of movements
- factionsDissenting internal groups
- branchesLimbs of trees
- offshootsThings branching from source
- subdivisionsPortions of a whole
fragmentation · splitting · splintering · segmentation · ramification · bifurcation · partitioning · subgroups
Pushed to society's edges
- peripheryBoundary or outer region
- dissidentsPolitical objectors
- nonconformistsThose defying established customs
- separatistsAutonomy-seeking faction members
fringe groups · isolationists · purists · reformists · radicals · extremists · zealots · fundamentalists
rift
Crack or estrangement
- discordLack of agreement
- dissentDisagreement with authority
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
factionalism · breakaway · splintering · polarization · disunion · separation · dispute · controversy · conflict · disagreement
denominations
Named values or faiths
- cultsDeviant religious groups
- sectsReligious offshoots
- sectarianismPrejudiced loyalty to subgroups
monasticism · mysticism · gnosticism · puritanism · fundamentalism · evangelicalism · revivalism · pietism · quietism · shakers
splinter groups
Breakaway subsets of movements
subdivisions · fragmentation · splitting · splintering · segmentation · ramification · bifurcation · partitioning · subgroups · cleavage
marginalized
Pushed to society's edges
- peripheryBoundary or outer region
- dissidentsPolitical objectors
- nonconformistsThose defying established customs
fringe groups · separatists · isolationists · purists · reformists · radicals · extremists · zealots · fundamentalists · traditionalists
dogma
Unchallengeable official beliefs
canon · exegesis · catechism · tenets · beliefs · teachings · interpretations · scripture · traditions · practices
subsectsmother church
Principal church of diocese
umbrella organization · world religion · universal church · central authority · headquarters
subsectswhole
Full and undivided
unity · consolidation · union · merger · reunification