BIS: organisations movements & members- topic 6 Flashcards
whats definition of churches
-large, formal organisations
-hierarchy of paid officials
-automatic recruitment
-inclusive, appeals to all members of society.
-may have close relationships with the state
-claims monopoly on religious truths
Denomination definition
large, formal organisation
-hierarchy of paid officials
-accepts religious diversity
may not be fully accept wider society
-no close relationship with the state
-no claim to monopoly on religious truths
sect definition
small organisation with no professional hierarchy
-has exclusive terms of membership
-usually headed by charismatic leader
- is opposed to the sate and wider society
-requires total commitment from members
-claims monopoly on religious truths
cult definition
spiritual association that emphasizes individualism.
-minimal organisational structure
-tends to have limited formal contact between its members.
-exert no formal contact over members lives.
who first distinguished different types of religious organisations?
Ernst Troeltsch
two main types church and sects
examples of churches that fit into the definition
catholic church
british sovereign
church of england
whats denominations mean? include sociologist
Richard Niebuhr describes denominations as lying midway between churches and sects.
example - methodism
denominations definition
-mid way between church + sects
membership less exlusive than sects but dont appeal to society as a whole like churches.
-like churches broadly accept societys values but not linked to the state.
-impose some minor restrictions on members e.g. forbidding alchohol, but not as demanding as sects.
-unlike both churches + sects are tolerant of other religious organisations + dont claim monopoly on the truth.
what are the similarities and differences of religious organisations by Roy Wallis
-how they see themselves: churches + sects claim their interpretation of faith is the only legitimate or correct one. Denominations + cults accept that there can be many valid interpretations
-How they are seen by wider society: churches + denominations are seen as respectable + legitimate whereas cults + sects are seen as deviant.
what are examples of new religious movements (NRMs)
Moonies
scientology
what’s a world rejecting NRM
have a clear notion of God, are highly critical of the outside world and expect radical change. Members must break with their former life, live communally and have restricted contact with the outside world. The movement controls all aspects of their life
examples include: moonies, the peoples temple
how many women compared to men go to church
(gender + religion)
in 2005:
1.8 million- women
1.36 million - men
what did bruce estimate in regards to gender and sects
Bruce estimates twice as many women are involved in sects