In short, the sect-church cycle refers to the change in religious beliefs or religions in general over time. Churches generally contain less tension in their groups than sects do. New religious groups pop up here and there all the time. If they are successful in attracting a following, they generally transform into full on churches. In doing this, they move from being more of a high-tension group to a lower tension one as they become a bit more widely accepted. In doing this, they become more unable to satisfy the members who are looking for more of a tension filled faith to follow. Odd concept to me, but to each their own. In the split of this new church, the part that breaks off ultimately can be considered a new sect and the same life cycle
