Social Dimension

    The Social Dimension was the most confusing to me for some reason. 
People want to be considered as individuals and not grouped into a typical
stereotype.  Despite this though, we also feel the need to belong to a group
of some sort.  People often belong to different groups or social
organizations such as religious groups.  By doing this, they are fulfilling
the need to belong.
    Often people join a particular religious group because they have beliefs
in common with the other members.  These groups are so numerous in our
society that it's almost unimaginable, but that wasn't always the case.  When
a person belongs to one group it is often the case that the group will not
always meet their needs.  There are times when a person's religious needs or
questions aren't being answered.  When this happens, members have been known
to leave one group and start a new religious movement.  This new sect shares
many of the same beliefs with only minor differences.  Other times, they
branch off into cults that have little in common with the original group. 
Even though these people leave one group and start another, there is nothing
wrong with that.  Often people see these new groups as odd or dangerous, but
we should be willing to accept them and their different opinions.  Most of
the major religions have started out this way.  So, today's sects or cults
could be tomorrow's major established religious organizations.
    These groups often flourish because of one basic need, our desire to be
social.  We, as a group, feel the need to belong and fit in.  Religious
groups are the social groups where this can be done easily.  The main thing
society needs to learn though is acceptance.  Our world is diverse and as a
society we need to accept this point.  It is through our grouping together
based on religious beliefs that religion is even around.