organisations - development of sects

Question 1

What are the two things that can happen to Sects?

Answer 1

Denomination or Death

Question 2

What are the three things which can lead to Denomination or Death of a sect?

Answer 2

• The Second Generation
• The Protestant Ethic Effect
• Death of a Leader

Question 3

What is The Second Generation as an example of what can lead to Denomination or Death of a Sect?

Answer 3

They are born into a sect and lack commitment or disagree with their parents who have consciously rejected the world and joined voluntary, thus don’t feel the need to reject society as their parents did.

Question 4

How does The Second Generation lead to Denomination?

Answer 4

The group may compromise with wider society and become a World-Accommodating Denomination, they are more likely to have liberal attitudes.

Question 5

How does The Second Generation lead to Death?

Answer 5

May not be able to retain members as the young people reject the world-rejecting values of the group

Question 6

What is The Protestant Ethic Effect as an example of what can lead to Denomination or Death of a Sect?

Answer 6

Sects that practice asceticism tend to become prosperous and upwardly mobile (Methodists in the 19th century)

Question 7

How does The Protestant Ethic Effect lead to Denomination?

Answer 7

Methodism was a breakaway Christian Protestant group - started out as a small sect.
Once members are affluent, they no longer need to reject society/need an explanation for their suffering , so the group may become more accommodating of society and become a denomination.

Question 8

How does The Protestant Ethic Effect lead to Death?

Answer 8

Once members have the values they need to be successful and have achieved success they may abandon the group all together

Question 9

What is The Death of a Leader as an example of what can lead to Denomination or Death of a Sect?

Answer 9

Some sects are based on the charismatic leadership of one inspirational figurehead, so the death of a leader can have a serious impact

Question 10

How does The Death of a Leader lead to Denomination?

Answer 10

A more formal bureaucratic leadership takes over, transferring it to a denomination. e.g. The Methodist Church - John Wesley

Question 11

How does The Death of a Leader lead to Death?

Answer 11

Once the inspiration for members has gone, if there are no replacements, people may abandon the group. e.g. The Peoples Temple - Jim Jones