Religious organisations Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the 4 different types of religious organisations?
- churches
- denominations
- sects
- cults
Who pointed out the key features of a church?
Troesltsch 1931
Troesltsch 1931
key feaures of the church and the sect
key features of a church- Troesltsch 1931
- hierarchically organised
- inclusive
- allows people to leave
- claim a monopoly of the truth
- large memberships
- professional, paid clergy
- closely tied to the state
claim a monopoly of the truth meaning
tolerance of other religions
who identified the key features of denominations?
Niebuhr 1929
Niebuhr 1929
Identified the key features of denominations
Key features of denominations- Niebuhr 1929
- inclusive
- allow people to leave
- hierarchically organised
- do not claim a monopoly of the truth
- do not identify with the state
- place more restrictions on their members
Steve Bruce- denominations
denominations have become more important and popular in society with the rise of religious pluralism
Who identified the key features of a sect?
Troeltsch
key features of a sect- Troesltsch
- smaller membership compared to churches
- do not align with the state
- Do not accept the norms and values of society
- high level of commitment from its members
- expect members to withdraw from society
- possess a monopoly of the truth
- charismatic leader, percieved to be special
- do not have an ‘inclusive membership’,has to be concious and voluntary
Steve Bruce- sects
The first sects were formed when people broke away from more established religion because of disagreement over how that religion was interpreted
Steve Bruce- cults
- loosely knit group
- lacking any sharply designed and exclusive belief systems
What do cults respond closely to?
Roy Wallis’ category of ‘world affirming New religious movements
Key features of cults
- lack of fixed beliefs
- more individualistic than any other religions
- Lack strict rules
- Tolerant of other religious beliefs
- Members are more like customers
How are members of cults more like ‘customers’?
They’re free to come and go as they please and choose which aspects of the cult they want to participate in
Example of a church
Judaism
Example of a denomination
methodism
Example of a sect
Jehovahs witnesses
Example of a cult
Scientology
