Beliefs In Society - Types of Religious Organisations, Movement (NRM & NAM) and Members Flashcards
What are the 4 main religious organisations
churches
sects
denominations
cults
What are the four main types of religious organisations?
- Churches
- Sects
- Denominations
- Cults
These categories help in understanding the structure and characteristics of different religious groups.
What characterizes churches?
Large, well-established religious bodies with many members and a bureaucratic hierarchy
Churches are often associated with mainstream religions and have a monopoly view of truth.
What defines sects?
Smaller, less organized groups of committed believers, often in protest of mainstream churches
Sects typically have charismatic leaders and a monopoly view of truth.
How do denominations differ from sects?
Denominations are institutionalized bodies that have cooled down from sect status and accept societal values
They do not claim a monopoly of truth and require low commitment levels.
What is a cult?
A less coherent religious organization led by practitioners with special knowledge, focusing on individual experience
Cults often have flexible membership and do not demand strong commitment.
How do churches and sects view their interpretations of truth?
Churches and sects claim their interpretation is the only legitimate one
Denominations and cults accept multiple valid interpretations.
How are churches and denominations perceived by wider society?
Regarded as respectable and legitimate
In contrast, sects and cults are often seen as deviant.
What draws individuals to sects and cults according to Weber?
Marginalized individuals may seek belonging and special status
This phenomenon explains the growth of sects and cults.
What is the ‘church-sect cycle theory’?
Churches compromise to remain popular, leading to disillusioned members forming new sects
This cycle continues as sects evolve into more church-like organizations.
What does re-sacralisation refer to?
A renewed interest and belief in religion, leading to a religious revival
This has contributed to the emergence of New Religious Movements (NRMs).
What are the three broad types of New Religious Movements (NRMs) according to Roy Wallis?
- World-affirming groups
- World-rejecting groups
- World-accommodating groups
These classifications help in understanding NRMs’ relationships with the outside world.
What characterizes world-affirming groups?
Accept the world as it is and offer techniques for individuals to enhance their worldly experiences
Members often behave as customers rather than formal members.
What is a key feature of world-rejecting groups?
Highly critical of the outside world and demand significant commitment from members
They often expect divine intervention and live communally.
How do world-accommodating groups relate to mainstream religions?
They maintain links with mainstream religions without fully accepting or rejecting the world
Often they are breakaways from existing denominations.
What is a criticism of Wallis’s categorization of NRMs?
It is unclear if classifications are based on movement teachings or individual beliefs
This raises questions about the validity of the classifications.
What are New Age Movements (NAMs) primarily focused on?
Individual potential and personal development
NAMs emerged prominently since the 1970s.
What are the two main forms of NAMs identified by Bruce?
- Audience cults
- Client cults
Audience cults are less organized, while client cults involve a consultant-client relationship.
Who is more likely to be attracted to NAMs?
Individuals of all ages, with a higher appeal to women
This attraction is often linked to those already engaged in the cultic milieu.
What is the significance of the Kendal project mentioned by Heelas and Woodhead?
It studies the appeal of New Age ideas and their impact on individuals
Annual celebrations of New Age ideas take place in major cities.
