Religious Organisations

Question 1

Substantive definition

Answer 1

Something supernatural e.g. a God- excludes other beliefs

Question 2

Functional definition

Answer 2

Beliefs have functions e.g. brings people together (referred to as the inclusive definition)

Question 3

Social constructionist definition

Answer 3

Focuses on what religion means to individuals- micro approach

Question 4

Key characteristics (3)

Answer 4

Closed knowledge system, empirical evidence not necessary, claim to answer the questions in life

Question 5

How does religion challenge science?

Answer 5

Many religions are creationist- world created by a god rather than evolution

Question 6

Contemporary issues/problems (4)

Answer 6

Causes conflict, misinterpreted, exclusive, difficult to measure/operationalise

Question 7

Durkheim

Answer 7

Studied totemism which he saw as the most basic form of religion

Question 8

Traditional typology

Answer 8

Church , denomination, sect, cult.

Question 9

New Religious Movements (NRMs)

Answer 9

Developed by Wallis to understand the developments of many NEW religions in 20th century. He recognised there had been a development of religious organisations which did not fit neatly into the ideal types (Trad typo).

Question 10

Weber- Church (4)

Answer 10

Has a clear structure/hierarchy,
Positive and tolerant attitude to wider society
Claims monopoly of truth
Closely linked to the state

Question 11

Troeltsch- Sect (4)

Answer 11

Everyone is equal- one charismatic leader
Strong commitment
Claim a monopoly of truth
Hostile to wider society

Question 12

Cult (4)

Answer 12

Less structured
Attracts m/c members
Very tolerant of wider society/other beliefs
Focus on self-fulfilment and success

Question 13

Niebuhr- Denominations (4)

Answer 13

Something in between a sect and cult
Some level of commitment required
Focus on religious experiences rather than real world
Appeals to those who feel disillusioned with mainstream churches e.g. pentecostal

Question 14

NRMs World Rejecting (4)

Answer 14

Claim monopoly of truth, are hostile to wider society, appeal to marginalised and deprived groups, provide a sense of family/community e.g. Peoples Temple

Question 15

NRMs World Affirming (2)

Answer 15

Positive about mainstream society and aim to help individuals be successful within it via self improvement e.g. Yoga

Question 16

NRMs World Accommodating (2)

Answer 16

Neither positive or negative, focused on spiritual and religious experiences e.g. Neo-Pentecostalism

Question 17

Why might someone join an NRM? (2)

Answer 17

Wallis- Status frustration, offer young people status when there frustrated with their position in school/family
Heelas- Emphasis on individualism, focuses on individual needs e.g. cults, whereas church focusses on conservative values

Question 18

Bruce- New Age Movements (NAMs) (3)

Answer 18

Looks at the impact on individuals and the self, focus on new age beliefs, personal development and fulfilment. Considers the beliefs that are in smaller groups that don’t fit in a particular organisation

Question 19

NAMs New Psychology

Answer 19

Movements which focus on spirituality and self improvement e.g. yoga, meditation

Question 20

NAMs New Ecology

Answer 20

Movements which see the environment as sacred & in need of protection e.g. Veganism

Question 21

NAMs New Science

Answer 21

Movements which use new methods to practice medicine and healing, and claim to have scientific evidence for supernatural phenomena e.g. Homeopathy, UFOs

Question 22

Positive of NRM

Answer 22

Meets religious and spiritual needs for those who don’t engage in mainstream religion

Question 23

Negative of NRM

Answer 23

Caused public concern over controlling tendencies e.g. people who harm themselves

Question 24

Positive of NAM

Answer 24

Individuals are free to pick and choose spiritual beliefs to help achieve peace of mind

Question 25

Negative of NAM

Answer 25

Cover such a wide range of movements its difficult to fit some groups into a classification

Question 26

Why might someone join an NAM?

Answer 26

Lyotard- Filling the vacuum, in a postmodern society there’s loss of faith in metanarratives resulting in a ‘crisis of meaning’ and NAMs fill the ‘vacuum of meaning’
Secularisation- Decline in religious beliefs (mostly in traditional) leads people looking to replace with alternatives