Beliefs-Religious Organisations Flashcards
(131 cards)
1
Q
What is the largest religious organisation in the UK?
A
The Church
Examples include The Church of England and The Roman Catholic Church.
2
Q
How is The Church linked to the state?
A
Laws are based upon Christian teachings; public holidays are based upon Christian festivals
Examples include Easter and Christmas.
3
Q
Who runs The Church?
A
A hierarchy of professional priests
The Pope is at the top, followed by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and priests.
4
Q
What does The Church claim regarding truth?
A
A monopoly of truth
They believe their religion offers the only truth and that everyone should believe.
5
Q
Is membership to The Church open to everyone?
A
Yes, anyone can become a member
The Church aims to make everyone in society a member.
6
Q
Which social class does The Church tend to attract?
A
Middle classes
Most priests come from wealthy, middle-class backgrounds.
7
Q
What is a denomination?
A
A smaller religious organisation that does not aim to make everyone a member
Examples include Methodism and Pentecostalism.
8
Q
How do denominations relate to society’s values?
A
They largely accept society’s values but are not linked to the state.
9
Q
Do denominations claim a monopoly of truth?
A
No, they are tolerant of other religions.
10
Q
Is membership in a denomination open to all?
A
Yes, either born into the religion or through conversion.
11
Q
What minor restrictions may denominations place on their members?
A
E.g. Methodists are not to drink alcohol or gamble.
12
Q
Which social class do denominations tend to attract?
A
Working classes.
13
Q
What is a sect?
A
Small, exclusive groups led by a charismatic leader with great control over followers.
Example: The People’s Temple, led by Jim Jones.
14
Q
What is a key feature of cults regarding truth?
A
Claim a monopoly of truth, stating their religion offers the only truth.
Example: Jim Jones claimed his religion was the only way to paradise.
15
Q
What does it mean for a cult to have closed membership?
A
They cut themselves off from the outside world and live separately in communes.
Non-members are not welcome.
16
Q
What type of commitment do cults demand from their members?
A
Total commitment, placing major restrictions on members’ lives.
Example: Members cannot socialize with non-members.
17
Q
Who do sects tend to attract?
A
The working classes and ethnic minority groups.
18
Q
What is a characteristic of the organization of sects?
A
Sects are the least organized religious organizations.
19
Q
What is an example of an individualistic cult?
A
Scientology or Transcendental Meditation (TM).
20
Q
Who leads individualistic cults?
A
Practitioners who claim special knowledge or techniques.
21
Q
What do individualistic cults offer their members?
A
Techniques to live happier, more successful lives.
Example: Scientology offers expensive courses for work success.
22
Q
Do individualistic cults claim a monopoly of truth?
A
No, they are tolerant of other religions.
23
Q
What type of membership do cults have?
A
Membership is open to all and flexible, allowing individuals to come and go as they wish.
24
Q
Who do cults tend to attract?
A
The middle classes.
25
What does Wallis claim about the outlook of individuals following a New Religious Movement?
Everyone following a New Religious Movement has the same outlook on the world.
26
What term does Wallis use to describe cults, denominations, and sects?
New Religious Movements (NRMs)
27
What is a key criticism of NRMs regarding commitment?
Demand ongoing, total commitment and loyalty.
28
What do NRMs claim about the truth they offer?
They claim a monopoly of truth; their religion offers the only truth.
29
How do members of world-rejecting NRMs typically interact with the outside world?
They live separately in a commune.
30
What is a characteristic of world-rejecting NRMs?
Reject the world as it is; the world must be abandoned or transformed.
31
Give an example of a world-rejecting NRM.
The People's Temple
32
What defines world-accommodating NRMs?
Membership is flexible; members continue with their everyday lives.
33
What do world-accommodating NRMs aim to develop in their members?
Members' spirituality.
34
Give an example of a world-accommodating NRM.
Neo-Pentecostalism
35
What is a characteristic of world-affirming NRMs?
Accept the world as it is; help members to be successful in this life.
36
How do members interact with world-affirming NRMs?
Membership is flexible; members can come and go as they wish.
37
Give an example of a world-affirming NRM.
Scientology and Transcendental Meditation (TM)
38
What are the three types of New Religious Movements according to Wallis?
1. World-rejecting NRMs
2. World-accommodating NRMs
3. World-affirming NRMs
39
Why did Wallis introduce the term New Religious Movements (NRMs)?
To categorize new religions that do not fit the categories of church, denomination, sect, or cult.
40
What is the nature of membership in world-affirming NRMs?
Members are like customers; pay for techniques to help improve their lives.
41
What do New Age Movements (NAMs) refer to?
A wide range of different beliefs and activities that have become popular since the 1980s
## Footnote
NAMs share many characteristics with cults.
42
List examples of New Age Movements (NAMs).
* Crystal therapy
* Colour therapy
* Reiki
* Astrology
* Meditation
* Aromatherapy
* Yoga
## Footnote
These practices are part of the broader trend of NAMs.
43
How do postmodernists view the relationship between traditional religions and NAMs?
People are increasingly turning away from traditional religious meta-narratives and looking to alternatives like NAMs for meaning
## Footnote
This shift reflects a search for personal meaning in a postmodern world.
44
What is a key characteristic of NAMs in terms of individual beliefs?
They are more individualistic, allowing individuals to choose beliefs according to their tastes and personal identities
## Footnote
This contrasts with traditional religions that often have prescribed beliefs.
45
What does the term 'DIY cocktail' refer to in the context of NAMs?
Individuals take bits and pieces of various religions to create their own belief systems
## Footnote
Example: Combining Reiki sessions with aromatherapy.
46
What does the concept of 'spiritual shoppers' imply about NAMs?
NAMs are part of a religious marketplace from which people can choose
## Footnote
This allows for a consumerist approach to spirituality.
47
What is a financial consideration for New Age followers?
Many NAM practices can be expensive, e.g., a Reiki session costs around £60 an hour
## Footnote
This financial aspect influences the demographics of followers, often making them middle class.
48
What is a key characteristic of NAMs regarding membership?
No formal membership; anyone with an interest can participate
## Footnote
For example, anyone can try Reiki without being a member of a specific group.
49
What does 'no formal commitment' mean in the context of NAMs?
People can participate at their own pace and develop self-spirituality
## Footnote
Example: Trying colour therapy one day and not participating for weeks after.
50
Do NAMs claim a monopoly of truth?
No, they are tolerant of other beliefs and recognize multiple 'truths'
## Footnote
Example: Truth can be found in sources like crystal therapy and astrology.
51
What is Bruce's criticism of NAMs?
He argues that they are leisure activities rather than genuine religious or spiritual practices
## Footnote
Example: Many practice yoga for physical benefits rather than spiritual ones.
52
What is a challenge in defining NAMs as a movement?
The diversity of beliefs and lack of organization makes it difficult to categorize them as a single movement
## Footnote
This raises questions about the coherence of NAMs as a collective entity.
53
What are the two possible outcomes for sects according to Neibuhr?
Either turn into denominations or die out.
54
What is one example of a sect that became a denomination?
Methodism.
55
Why are sects often short-lived?
Due to changing situations of members, difficulty maintaining commitment among second-generation members, and the death of sect leaders.
56
How does the changing situation of members affect sects?
Members from the margins of society may improve their social status and wish to re-join mainstream society.
57
What challenge do second-generation members of sects face?
They are less likely to show the same enthusiasm and commitment as their parents.
58
What happens to sects when their charismatic leader dies?
They either collapse or transform into a denomination.
59
What is an example of a sect that isolated itself from mainstream society?
The Amish in Pennsylvania.
60
What do leaders of sects often do to maintain separation from outside influences?
Isolate members by banning television and computers.
61
According to Wilson, what determines whether a sect remains the same or becomes a denomination?
Their approach to the question of salvation.
62
What is the primary aim of Jehovah's Witnesses that has allowed them to remain a sect?
To prepare for the Day of Judgement.
63
Fill in the blank: Sects must change their beliefs to align with _______ or disband.
mainstream society
64
True or False: Sects are likely to maintain their original beliefs over generations.
False.
65
What is a common reason for individuals to join sects?
To overcome status frustration.
66
What is a key characteristic of members who join sects?
They often lead strict, self-denying lives.
67
What demographic groups primarily appeal to sects and world-rejecting NRMs?
Working classes and ethnic minorities
## Footnote
Sects attract individuals from these demographics due to their unique challenges and experiences.
68
What is a theodicy of disprivilege?
A religious explanation for people's suffering
## Footnote
Sects provide this to help members understand and cope with their unjust treatment.
69
How do sects promise to improve the lives of their members?
They promise that things will get better in this life or the next
## Footnote
This promise helps to give members a stronger sense of status and security.
70
What example illustrates the appeal of sects to marginalized groups?
The People's Temple
## Footnote
Most members were black and poor, and Jim Jones promised them a better life.
71
What do Functionalists argue about the role of sects?
Sects promote social solidarity
## Footnote
They bring together groups with similar experiences, such as the working classes and black community.
72
What do Stark and Bainbridge argue about sects and NRMs?
They act as 'compensators' for marginalised groups
## Footnote
This means religion helps these groups cope with their inequality.
73
What do Pentecostal sects offer to African-Caribbean members?
Clear values and the promise of being the chosen few
## Footnote
They provide hope for rewards in the afterlife or a future new heaven on earth.
74
What is Simone de Beauvoir's perspective on sects?
They compensate members, particularly women, for their marginalisation
## Footnote
She argues that sects offer promises of heaven as a form of compensation.
75
How can membership in a sect or NRM serve as a form of protest?
It can express frustration with societal treatment
## Footnote
This includes issues like lack of job opportunities and racial discrimination.
76
What is an example of a sect that serves as a means of protest?
The Nation of Islam
## Footnote
It provides a platform for black people to protest against white society.
77
What do Neo-Marxists believe about religion's role in society?
Religion can help to change society and people's positions
## Footnote
An example is Liberation Theology, where Catholic priests supported the working class.
78
What do postmodernists argue about sects and world-rejecting NRMs?
They offer a new source of identity in postmodern society.
79
How do people engage with beliefs in a postmodern society?
People are 'spiritual shoppers' and 'pick n mix' different beliefs according to personal tastes and identities.
80
What determines whether a person stays in a sect or leaves?
If they find it rewarding, they will stay; if not, they will leave and pick another belief.
81
What is the significance of individual choice in sect membership?
Being a member of a sect or world-rejecting NRM is based on personal preferences.
82
What was the approach of Jim Jones in The People's Temple?
He offered a new version of Christianity that was more individualized to the needs of his working-class followers.
83
Why did members of The People's Temple feel attracted to it?
They felt the mainstream Church had let them down and was not responding to their needs.
84
Who do cults, world-affirming NRMs, and NAMs typically appeal to?
They typically appeal to the middle classes and women.
85
What is one reason why people join cults and NAMs?
To achieve a happier, more successful life.
86
According to Heelas, what are NAMs and cults considered?
They are 'self-religions' offering techniques and services to improve lives.
87
What type of services do NAMs and cults provide?
Services like fulfilling personal relationships and promotion at work.
88
Why are middle-class women more likely to follow NAMs and cults?
They may feel more pressure than men to improve themselves.
89
What is an example of the cost of services offered by NAMs?
Reikí sessions cost around £60 an hour.
90
What criticism do feminists have regarding middle-class women in NAMs?
They argue that women join due to experiencing the male gaze and pressure to be perfect.
91
How does the media influence women's perceptions according to the text?
It presents images of the 'perfect' woman, wife, and mother.
92
Fill in the blank: Members of sects may leave if they do not find it _______.
[rewarding]
93
True or False: The majority of followers of NAMs and cults are middle-class women.
True
94
What feeling do many middle classes experience despite professional success?
Feelings of relative deprivation regarding spirituality
## Footnote
This feeling is not linked to money or material goods, but rather a lack of meaningful spiritual experiences.
95
What do middle classes often seek to regain spirituality?
They look to New Age Movements (NAMs) and cults
## Footnote
These alternatives provide a sense of meaning in their lives.
96
What technique does Transcendental Meditation (TM) offer to individuals?
Techniques to reconnect with their inner selves through meditation
## Footnote
TM is often used by individuals like Katy Perry to manage stress and enhance focus.
97
How does Katy Perry utilize meditation in her life?
She meditates before writing songs, going on stage, and after social media
## Footnote
She believes meditation opens neural pathways and enhances focus.
98
What do postmodernists argue about the rise in cults?
It reflects the growing individualism of religion
## Footnote
This individualism leads people to seek personalized beliefs instead of traditional meta-narratives.
99
What do people typically want to avoid in traditional religious settings?
Impersonal church services and passive listening to priests
## Footnote
Cults provide a more individualized spiritual experience.
100
How has society changed according to functionalists?
Society has become more fragmented with secularization and diluted versions of religion
## Footnote
This fragmentation has led to feelings of belonging being diminished.
101
What traditional sources of identity are becoming harder to define in postmodern society?
Social class, gender, ethnicity
## Footnote
Postmodernists argue that these sources are changing, leading to new identity formations.
102
What term describes people who combine different beliefs according to personal preferences?
Spiritual shoppers
## Footnote
They 'pick and mix' beliefs in the religious marketplace.
103
What influences an individual's decision to stay in or leave a cult?
If they find it rewarding
## Footnote
This reflects personal choice in the religious marketplace.
104
What term does Bunting use to describe how middle class women participate in religion?
DIY cocktail
## Footnote
This involves taking bits and pieces of different beliefs to create personal belief systems.
105
What types of practices might individuals engage in as part of their religious consumption?
* Reiki sessions
* Aromatherapy
* Colour therapy
## Footnote
These practices are consumed like products to find suitable beliefs.
106
True or False: The text suggests that cult membership is a collective decision rather than an individual choice.
False
## Footnote
Membership in a cult is described as an individual choice based on personal preferences.
107
What does modernity refer to in the context of religious fundamentalism?
Modern ways and beliefs e.g. nightclubs, sex before marriage, legalisation of homosexuality, legalisation of abortion
108
What is the primary goal of religious fundamentalist groups in response to modernity?
To end Westernisation
109
What does the term 'Boko Haram' mean?
'Western education is forbidden'
110
What is one example of Boko Haram's actions in Nigeria?
Kidnapping around one thousand school girls
111
What is Boko Haram's view on Western culture?
They believe it is a corrupting influence
112
What happens to the kidnapped girls after they marry Boko Haram fighters?
They are married off to another fighter after their husband dies
113
What do the girls become after being married multiple times?
Suicide bombers
114
What is one evaluation argument regarding Boko Haram's actions?
It is a response to social inequality
115
What social issue is prevalent in Nigeria that contributes to Boko Haram's appeal?
Widespread poverty and inequality
116
What is the stance of religious fundamentalists towards modernity?
They detest modernity
117
Which terrorist group aims to remove modernity through violence?
ISIS
118
What do fundamentalists want to return to in their interpretation of Islam?
The basics of Islam with a literal interpretation of the Qur'an
119
What is a critique of fundamentalists' opposition to modernity?
They use products of modernity to spread their message
120
What are liberal values considered by religious fundamentalists?
A threat to traditional beliefs and practices
121
What is the stance of the Westboro Baptist Church?
They protest and picket events such as gay and lesbian funerals
122
What do the Westboro Baptist Church aim to achieve?
Create a traditional Christian nation
123
Fill in the blank: Religious fundamentalism appears to have developed in response to _______.
[modernity]
124
True or False: Boko Haram believes in the spread of Western education.
False
125
What is the term Bruce uses to describe fundamentalist groups in Western societies responding to societal changes?
Thevvaual fundamentalism
## Footnote
This term refers to the desire of fundamentalist groups to maintain traditional values within a stable liberal modern society.
126
What does religious fundamentalism provide in modern society?
Direction and certainty
## Footnote
It offers clear rules and moral guidelines for living, especially in contexts where traditional values are challenged.
127
How do postmodernists characterize modern society?
Anomie (normlessness)
## Footnote
This term reflects the lack of clear norms and values in postmodern society.
128
What traditional roles does ISIS assign to men and women?
* Men: instrumental role (fighter and provider)
* Women: expressive role (mother-housewife)
## Footnote
These roles illustrate the clear gender expectations within ISIS's fundamentalist ideology.
129
What is a consequence of the failure of local elites in the Middle East according to the analysis?
The development of the Islamic State
## Footnote
The Islamic State emerged as a response to conflicts rooted in governmental failures.
130
Fill in the blank: Fundamentalism offers _______ and certainty in countries where governments have failed.
direction
## Footnote
This highlights the role of fundamentalist ideologies in providing stability in chaotic environments.
131
True or False: Fundamentalism is characterized by a rejection of traditional values.
False
## Footnote
Fundamentalism seeks to uphold traditional values in the face of modern societal changes.
