Beliefs- Religious Organisations Flashcards
Why do sociologists often use a typology?
To categorise and analyse religious organisations (eg. church, sect, denomination)
What are the four main features of churches according to Troeltsch?
- Claims a monopoly of truth
- Have a complex rigid hierarchy with a bureaucratic structure with lots of rules and regulations
- Often have a close relationship to the state
- Closely integrated into mainstream society
What is a monopoly of truth?
Says claims are absolutely true and others are false
What is the definition of a church according to Troeltsch?
A large religious organisation
What are three examples of a church?
Roman Catholic Church, Church of England and Episcopal Church
How does Bruce criticise Troeltsch?
Says his points don’t always apply to today’s churches because there’s a religious pluralism these days
What does religious pluralism mean?
Lots of different types of religious groups
Why are upper classes more likely to join churches?
Because they act as a conservative force
How does Troeltsch define sects?
Being almost the opposite of churches
Why are sects often formed?
By people splitting off from a church because they disagree with the church’s practices or theology
What are the four features of sects?
- Claim a monopoly of truth and are intolerant towards other religious organisations
- No complex hierarchy, often have charismatic leader
- Small and require total commitment
- Separate from the state in opposition to mainstream society
What are four examples of sects?
Early Methodists, Calvinists, People’s Temple and Branch Davidians
What are the five features of denominations?
- Possible route to the truth and tolerant towards other religious organisations
- Have a hierarchy and bureaucratic structure
- Reasonably large membership
- Members not as loyal as to churches
- Aren’t closely connected to the state, get involved in society and comment on current events
What are two examples of denominations?
Modern Methodists and Baptists
How did Bruce define cultic movements?
Movements without a fixed set of beliefs
What are two features of cults?
- Emphasise inner power of the individual and mysticism
- Usually loosely knit and don’t have a hierarchy
What are New Age Movements?
Close to cults and world-affirming movements- New Age ideas often aren’t linked to an organisation but spread through a culture
What does Heelas claim about New Age followers?
They focus on ‘self-spirituality’ and the development of the self
What three themes to New Age movements does Bruce highlight?
New Science rejects many claims of traditional science, New Ecology is concerned for the environment, and New Psychology sees the self as sacred
Who do New Age beliefs appeal to?
People who have turned away from traditional religion because New Age beliefs say that people can find salvation, peace or perfection inside themselves- individual beliefs are trusted more and authority is trusted less
How do New Age movements help some people cope with the uncertainties of modernity?
People have lots of different roles in the modern world and New Age beliefs can help people find a sense of identity
Who do New Age beliefs appeal to?
Middle-class people working in ‘expressive professions’, women more than men, middle class more than working class
How do New Age movements reflect a cultural change?
Mass communication gives us an awareness of different movements
What does social change bringing about changes in religion lead to?
A decline in churches but growth in denominations or sects
Why can sects grow rapidly?
As a result of a charismatic leader or a religious schism
Why can sects die out?
If a leader dies or the sect’s promises do not come true
How can sects become denominations?
If they don’t die out and become more accepted and respected
Why can cults become more popular in a modern busy world?
They demand less commitment than sects
