Final answer:
Cults and sects have similarities but also differ in several respects. Cults are characterized by their secretive nature, highly controlling leaders, and the influence of a single charismatic figure. On the other hand, sects are generally larger and have multiple leaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cults and sects have similarities but also differ in several respects. Cults, like sects, are new religious groups that often started as small and relatively new organizations. However, cults are usually characterized by their secretive nature, highly controlling leaders, and the influence of a single charismatic figure. In contrast, sects are generally larger and have multiple leaders, and they often believe they must split from a larger group to return to important fundamentals.