Development Of Sects Flashcards
are sects short lived, niebuhr
argued that sects were short lived – they would either evolve into a larger, more socially accepted denomination or they would die out - ‘death or denomination’.
are sects short lived, niebuhr
Members of sects tend to come from the margins of society, but the sect gives them social mobility and therefore they may re-join mainstream society
On joining the sect, they usually lead frugal and ascetic (strict, self-denying) lives. As a result, their social status is likely to rise and their wealth increase. Their new situation no longer fits with their rejection of the wider society, and it brings greater public acceptance. As their contact with mainstream society grows, they modify their more unconventional beliefs.
are sects short lived, niebuhr
The next generation of members may not be as committed as their parents
They were not converted into the sect; they were merely born into it. As a result, they are unlikely to show the same enthusiasm and commitment as their parents. They are more likely to make compromises with, and be less critical of wider society. The next generation leave the sect causing it to eventually die out.
are sects short lived, niebuhr
The very success of a sect can lead to it becoming a denomination
The more its membership grows, the greater the need for full time officials to manage the organisation. This combined with toning down of its more ‘extreme’ views and the rise in its member’s status, leads the sect down the road of becoming a denomination as its views become more socially acceptable and attracts a wider range of members.
evidance that sects are short lived
quackers
The Quakers began as a sect in the 17th century. Within a few generations they had moderated their beliefs and entered mainstream society. So much so that several Quaker families played a major part in the development of the British banking system (Barclays Bank). Similarly, the Methodists began as a sect, moderated their strict beliefs and their criticisms of the wider society, and developed into a denomination.
evaluation, are sects short lived, yinger
Death or growth into a Denomination are not the only alternatives open to sects. Some survive as sects – they become established sects according to Yinger. They often do so by isolating themselves from the outside world – for example, the Amish in Pennsylvania; who isolate themselves from the rest of American society. The leaders of the sect keep outside influences at bay by banning their members from watching television and using computers.
elavuation, are sects short lived
wilson
argued that the crucial factor which determines whether a sect develops into a denomination or remains as a sect is the way it answers the question ‘what shall we do to be saved?’ The answer for some sects (known as Conversionists) is to convert as many people as possible. They are typically found in the USA. They can become a denomination without compromising their primary aim – they can still save souls.
evaluation, are sects short lived
adventist sects
such as the Amish, is to prepare themselves for the Day of Judgement. To do this, they must separate themselves from today’s sinful and corrupt society and await the second coming of Christ. Only membership of the sect will guarantee them a place in the new world order. Becoming a denomination would compromise their position – they need to be separate from society, not integrated with it and therefore remain as sects.
evaluation, are sects short lived
wallis
much more detailed and complex view of the development of a wider range of NRM’s and considers the diversity of NRM’s and the way they respond to both internal and external factors.
conclusions, are sects short lived
· Not all sects are necessarily short lived. The development of the sect depends on its type, its relationship to society and its internal ideas (Ideology).
· Those sects ‘in tune’ with the world are longer lived.
· Those with no contact with the ‘outside’ world don’t change.
· Niebuhr only really looks at one type of sect; Wilson and Wallis believe it is more complex than this.
