Growth of new relgious movements

Question 1

What are the 3 explanations

Answer 1

Marginality, Relative Deprivation and Social Change

Question 2

Marginality

Answer 2

Weber - ‘theodicy of disprivilege’ - explanation for suffering and disadvantage (e.g. test of faith)
Sects arise due to group[s feeling marginalized and disprivileged

Question 3

Relative Deprivation

Answer 3

Feeling disadvantaged or deprived in some way (e.g. middle class may feel they are spiritually deprived)
Stark and Bainbridge - 'relatively deprived' break away from churches to form sects - break away to protect the original message as the church changes to accommodate the changing culture
Also argue world-rejecting offer compensation as they were deprived of them in this world

Question 4

Social Change

Answer 4

Wilson - rapid change undermine the established norms and values = anomie = sects
E.g. industrial revolution - Methodist church

Question 5

World Rejecting NRMs

Answer 5

Wallis - social change impact young people - e.g. increasing time spent in education
offer young people a more idealistic way of life

Question 6

World Affirming NRMs

Answer 6

Bruce - response to modern society and work changes
it no longer provides meaning or identity and feels meaningless
provide a sense of identity and techniques that promise success