Beliefs in society

Question 1

Churches (Troeltsch)

Answer 1

Large organisations, few demands, bureaucratic hierarchy, monopoly of truth, universalistic, closely linked to state

Question 2

Denominations (Niebuhr)

Answer 2

Midway between churches and sects, less exclusive than a sect, broadly accept societies values, not linked to state, minor restrictions, no monopoly of truth

Question 3

Sects (Troeltsch)

Answer 3

Small and exclusive groups, hostile to wider society, high commitment, target poor and oppressed, charismatic leader, monopoly of truth

Question 4

Cults

Answer 4

Individualistic, no defined belief system, led by ‘practitioners’ who claim special knowledge, tolerant of others, no strong commitment, members like customers

Question 5

Types of NRM - Wallis

Answer 5

World rejecting, world affirming, world accommodating

Question 6

World rejecting NRM’s

Answer 6

Sees world as inherently evil or corrupt, think society is organised against will of god and needs radical change
Eg- Westboro baptist church

Question 7

World accommodating NRM’s

Answer 7

Separate life into spiritual and worldly spheres, focusing on spiritual. Neither affirm nor reject world, but do adapt for peaceful living
Eg- Neo-pentecostalism

Question 8

World affirming NRM’s

Answer 8

Offer members spiritual enrichment. Often do not include belief in God and make few demands on members. Offer personal fulfillment
Eg- Scientology

Question 9

Types of cult - Stark and Bainbridge

Answer 9

-Audience cults
-Client cults
-Cult movements

Question 10

Audience cults

Answer 10

Provide little other than information, often consumed individually and spread through media
Eg- horoscopes, crystals

Question 11

Client cults

Answer 11

More organisation, often sell therapy and courses by practitioners, provides a service like doctor/patient

Question 12

Cult movements

Answer 12

Wider range of activities, support and commitment. More like traditional churches with clients becoming members
Eg- scientology

Question 13

3 main reasons for joining NRM’s

Answer 13

Marginality, relative deprivation, social change

Question 14

Lifestyle of sects

Answer 14

Sects can be short lived, only last for a generation. Usually die out or become a denomination.
Eg- ‘People’s temple’ did not last after Jim Jones death
However, Moonies survived after death of Moon, but did see decline in membership