reasons for 'denomination or death'

Question 1

the second generation

Answer 1

people born into the sect and lack the commitment of their parents who has consciously rejected the world and joined voluntarily

Question 2

denomination

death

Answer 2

• group may compromise with wider society and become a world-accommodating denomination
• more likely to have liberal attitudes#
• may not be able to retain members as the young reject the world-rejecting values of the group
• as a result it may die out

Question 3

protestant ethic effect

Answer 3

sects that practice asceticism tend to become upwardly mobile

Question 4

denomination

death

Answer 4

• once members become more affluent and no longer need to reject society as they no longer need an explanation for suffering
• once members are successful they may abandon the group altogether and it may die out

Question 5

death of the leader

Answer 5

some sects based on the charismatic leadership of one figure, and their death can have a large impact

Question 6

denomination

death

Answer 6

• more formal bureaucratic leadership takes over, transforming it into a denomination
• once the inspiration has gone, if no replacement is possible people may abandon the group

Question 7

conclusion: postmodernism

Answer 7

• see beliefs people hold as a purely personal matter
• can go spiritual/religious shopping
• greater tolerance of beliefs today which may mean religious sects have a short shelf-life, as consumer tastes change