No. 53. >> At times we call a church a sect rather than a church. What exactly does this word mean? When and based on what evidence would we call a church a sect? >>DR. KLAUS DETLEV SCHULZ: Yes, Nick, this is a very important question. Because you're asking about the relationship of the sects and the churches. Both seem to co-exist at times. We know of the scientology church. We know of the Mormons who we would qualify as sects. But have established themselves in society as a church and even called themselves churches. I think as a Christian Church, the Missouri Synod and other main line denominations would say this, that we fit in the Judeal Christian context and have, to a degree, accepted society in culture as part of our life. Churches such as we accept the creeds and do not shut ourselves off from other Christians and from society to devise our own rules of life. Sects and cults -- and I use those terms synonymously -- are rejecting basically everything. They comprise little groups that have broken off. And generally there is a cult leader to whom they turn and look as someone they can follow. This thing is something that we need to alert our Christians to. Because of the manipulative character of such church leaders can have catastrophical effects on families, break them apart as they lead certain members away from our churches. What then are some of the features or characteristics of sects? I would like to mention briefly seven of them. First of all, it has an authoritarian leadership, a leader who exercises strong authority over both doctrine and practice. And he would base his leadership on a vision, perhaps, that he has experienced in his life. Such a sect may also have a very strong oppositional stance. Their beliefs and practices and values want to counter the dominant culture in the United States. We have seen that with the Church of Scientology with Tom Cruise's statements, the controversial ones on TV against Brooke Shields. Thirdly, they are very exclusivistic and elitist in their thinking. The truth can only be found in their midst. And leaving that group will have catastrophical effects on the member that has left. They are very legalistic. They follow strict rules and regulations. Right down to the dress code. They are also subjective. A lot of them believe that you need to follow your experiences, your feelings and your emotions. And they are also conscious of being persecuted. And therefore, often withdrawal themselves to remote places trying to live their own life. Seven and finally, they are sanction orientated. This means they will go after those members who have become wayward against those who fail to demonstrate proper allegiance to their group. These are all in brief some characteristics of sects. And as we look at our church Missouri Synod, we want to draw comparisons and ask ourselves where we fit in. It is important to note that we see ourselves as a main line denomination. We base our faith on the creeds. Just as other denominations around us do, as well. We don't reject them. We also don't encourage Christians to withdraw themselves from society or devise their own rules and regulations other than those that are found in Scripture. So in a way, we Christians do not counter culture in such a way that we do not want to encourage Christians to pursue their vocation in the society.