Churches- large with millions of members, place few demands, have
a hierarchy of clergy, claim a monopoly of truth and are linked to the
state
Sects- Small exclusive organisations, demand real commitment,
have a charismatic leader and claim a monopoly of truth
Denominations- mid way between a church and a sect, less
exclusive, accept societies values, not linked to the state, impose
minor restrictions
Cults- Not organised, individualistic, small loose knit group
World Affirming- Scientology,TM. They offer a spiritual and
supernatural look for its followers promising success. They are
often 'customers'
World rejecting- Moonies, Branch Dividians. Have a clear understanding of
God, are critical of the outside world. You have to give up your previous life
and fully commit to the movement's rules.
World Accommodating- Pentecost. Usually are breakaway's from traditional
churches, focus on religion rather than worldly maters, members have normal
lives.
Stark and Bainbridge
sects are the result in the split of an
organisation which offers worldly benefits to
economic or ethical suffers
Cults are new or imported religions which offer
benefits to those suffering health or psychic
problems
subdivide
Audience cults - least
organised with no formal
membership
Client- A consultent/client
relationship with therapies offered
Cultic movements-
high level, exclusive
cult claiming to meet
all members needs
Explaining
Marginality
Weber says sects appeal to underprivileged groups
provides a solution to lack of status by offering
a religious explanation
They thrive and recruit from the marginalised poor
Relative Deprivation
it is possible for some to feel deprived from others when intact
they are not in terms of wealth, but spirituality
want a sense of community
these usually break away from
the tradition religions to join
sects- Stark and Bainbridge
Social Change
Wilson believes periods of rapid change have
undermined established norms making
anomie
the effected people turn to sects
world rejecting NRM's-social change in
the 60's gave young people
freedom and an individualistic way
of life. More attractive than a
tradition church.
world affirming NRM's- have
grown due to modernity as it
brings about identity and promises
of worldly success.
New Age
Heelas believes audience
and client cults cover about
2000 different activities from yoga to crystals.
self spirituality
De-traditionalisation
Source of identity, consumer
culture, social change, decline
in organised religion
Postmodernity
Drane- people have lost
faith in experts and in the
established churches as
they do not meet spiritual
needs
Bruce- Modern society
values individualism
and is concerned with
human potential.
Social Groups
Gender
Bruce- 2x
more females
in sects than
men
women are more heaing and caring
Miller and
Houghman-
women are ore
religious as they
are socialised
into the qualities
religions look for
Ethnicity
higher rate of religiosity in minority groups e.g.
Muslims and Black Christians because of...