Beliefs In Society- Religious organisations and movements: Types of religious organisations and movements Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is a church in sociological terms?
A church is a large, formal religious organization with a hierarchy of paid officials, such as vicars, bishops, and archbishops.
How does recruitment work in a church?
Recruitment is often automatic, as people are born into it, though there has been a decline in baptisms since the 1930s.
What social classes do churches appeal to?
Churches appeal to all social classes but are especially attractive to the upper classes due to their conservative nature and aim to maintain the status quo.
What is the relationship between the church and the state?
Churches often have a close relationship with the state, such as the Church of England, where the monarch is both the head of state and the head of the church.
How do churches view wider society?
Churches tend to be accepting of wider society and tolerate religious diversity, such as in modern-day Britain.
What claim do churches often make?
Churches often claim a monopoly of religious truth.
How long have churches typically existed?
Churches have been in existence for hundreds, even thousands, of years.
What are some examples of churches?
Examples include the Church of England in Britain, Islam in Iran, Judaism in Israel, Hinduism in India, and the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Who classified churches in sociology?
Churches were classified by Troeltsch.
What is a sect in sociological terms?
A sect is a small religious group that has broken away from a larger, established church through schism.
How are sects led?
Sects are typically led by a single charismatic leader and lack a hierarchy of professional leaders.
How do sects recruit members?
Sects recruit members voluntarily, with adults joining of their own accord.
What social classes do sects appeal to?
Sects tend to appeal to the lower classes, who may feel marginalized by wider society.
What level of commitment do sects require?
Sects require total commitment from members, often demanding they cut ties with non-follower family members.
How do sects view wider society?
Sects reject wider society and often claim a monopoly of the truth.
How long do sects typically last?
Sects tend to be short-lived and often dissolve after the death of their charismatic leader.
What are some examples of sects?
Examples include the People’s Temple, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hare Krishna, the Amish, and the Unification Church (Moonies).
Who classified sects in sociology?
Sects were classified by Troeltsch.
What is a denomination in sociological terms?
A denomination is a relatively large, formal religious group that develops from sects as they grow in size.
How are denominations structured?
Denominations have a hierarchy of paid officials.
What social classes do denominations appeal to?
Denominations appeal to all members of society.
Do denominations claim a monopoly of the truth?
No, denominations do not claim a monopoly of the truth.
How do denominations view wider society?
Denominations may not fully accept wider society but are generally more tolerant than sects.
What restrictions do denominations place on members?
Denominations tend to place few, minor restrictions on members’ lives, such as prohibitions on drinking.
