Spectrum of belief within a particular religion?

[Treks]

Hello

Is there a specific term used to describe the spectrum of beliefs observable within the community of believers of one specific religion?

For instance, within Christianity you have catholic ideas, protestant ideas, eastern orthodox - but they're all still Christian. And more minutely, two Catholics may have different views of things, but they're both still Catholic.

Is there a term for it? I want to say 'spectrum of belief' but all I'm getting from Google is stuff about creationism and that's not what I'm after.

Hinduism is a good example, where there are lots of different beliefs and views within it but it's all still Hinduism. Like a plurality of faith but within one faith.

Many thanks.

 

[Tarheeler]

Diversity? Or maybe religious pluralism?

 

[LuisDantas]

There are in fact many terms, and most are more appropriate to certain beliefs than others.

"Sect" is a fairly good one, IMO. "Interpretation" might fit and be fairly neutral, as well.

In Buddhism we have Vehicles ("Yanas") and schools and lineages. In Christianity there are Churches, in Judaism I believe there are Movements.

Most religions have "folk varieties" with an Animistic bent, too.

 

[Treks]

Tarheeler, thank you for the suggestion of 'diversity'. That might be the closest fit so far. 'Religious pluralism' seems more about many different religions co-existing, whereas I'm looking for a term describing diversity of beliefs within one religion.

Luis: Thanks for your suggestions too. I'm not looking for a term describing something as structured as denominations, churches, sects, etc. Within even the same denomination no two adhereants will have exactly the same beliefs.

Perhaps there isn't a word (in English) for what I'm trying to describe. *keeps pondering*

 

[Asha]

Namaste

Within Hinduism we have Sampradaya,
Which are individual traditions that follow in deciplic succession from the founding member or teachings of that tradition to the present day as an un broken liniage.

There are differences of opinion over the philosophical doctrine but generaly there is acceptance of eachothers validity.

 

[Treks]

Thanks Asha

 

[LuisDantas]

Distribution, dispersion or variation of belief, perhaps?

 

[crossfire]

Community-diversity
Different viewpoints of the same vision?
Different testimonies of the same truth?

 

[Treks]

Oohh, variation of belief, that's a good one Luis. Thanks!

 

[Treks]

Thanks everyone for your help with my brain freeze this evening.

 

[crossfire]

How about adaptations?

Adapt | Define Adapt at Dictionary.com