[6.0] Types of religious organisations Flashcards
What is a church according to Troeltsch (1912)?
A church;
- is a large organisation
- with millions of members
- run by a bureaucratic hierarchy
- claims a monopoly of the truth
- aims to include all of society
- is linked to the state
- places few demands on it’s members
What is a sect according to Troeltsch (1912)?
A sect;
- is a small, exclusive group
- is hostile to wider society
- expects high commitment
- appeals to the poor and oppressed
- is led by a charismatic leader
- claims a monopoly of the truth
What is a denomination according to Niebuhr (1929)?
A denomination;
- does not appeal to all
- has exclusive membership
- accepts society’s values
- is not linked to the state
- imposes minor restrictions
- is tolerant of other religions
- does not claim a monopoly of the truth
What is a cult according to Niebuhr (1929)?
A cult;
- is the least organised group
- is highly individualistic
- is small
- does not have a rigid belief system
- is led by someone who claims special knowledge
- has members who are more like customers
- places no demands on it’s members
What are the two similarities and differences Wallis (1974) identifies between the religious organisations?
How they see themselves - some claim monopolies of the truth whereas others don’t.
How they are seen by society - some are seen as respectable and some as deviant.
Why does Troeltsch’s (1912) definition of a church not fit in to modern society?
The church no longer has or can claim a monopoly of the truth.
What has there been an increase in since the 1960s?
New religious movements such as the Unification Church and Transcendental Meditation.
How does Wallis (1984) categorise new religious movements?
He categorises them into world-rejecting new religious movements, world-accommodating new religious movements and world-affirming new religious movements.
Evaluate Wallis’ (1984) typology of new religious movements in three points.
- Wallis offers a useful way to categorise new religious movements.
- It is not clear if Wallis is categorising new religious movements based on the beliefs of it’s members or of it’s teachings.
- Some groups do not fit neatly into one category.
What do Stark and Bainbridge (1985) say about sects and cults?
They say that sects and cults are in conflict with wider society.
How do Stark and Bainbridge (1985) see sects?
They see sects as promising other-worldly benefits to members who suffer deprivation.
How do Stark and Bainbridge (1985) see cults?
They see cults as offering this-worldly benefits such as good health.
How did Stark and Bainbridge (1985) divide cults?
Based on how organised they are; audience, client or cultic.
What is a problem with Stark and Bainbridge’s (1985) cult divisions?
Some groups do not fit into one category.
