The downsides of distinctiveness in religious denominations can create significant challenges both for individuals and the broader community. Distinctive beliefs and practices can lead to social isolation, as members may feel separated from mainstream culture, limiting their ability to fully integrate into wider society. This isolation can extend to family life, particularly in interfaith marriages, where differing religious practices may cause tension over issues like child-rearing, holiday observances, or lifestyle choices. Additionally, the emphasis on unique doctrines can sometimes foster an "us versus them" mentality, contributing to sectarianism, division, or judgment of those outside the group. Distinctiveness may also make religious groups more resistant to change or adaptation, potentially leading to internal conflicts as younger or more progressive members challenge long-standing traditions. Lastly, it can make the group less appealing to potential new members, particularly in an increasingly pluralistic and secular world where rigid boundaries may be seen as exclusionary or irrelevant. In the New Testament, the term often translated as "heresy" (Greek: hairesis) originally referred to a faction, division, or a sect within a group, rather than the more modern understanding of heresy as false doctrine. It is listed in Galatians 5:19-21 as a fruit of the flesh.
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