Religious Organisations Flashcards
Churches
A large global following with millions of members worldwide, an organised hierarchy of leadership, social + political influence, a universalistic approach to membership - anyone can join
Denominations
Different interpretations of the bible + how to worship - large following within the country, nowhere near churches, an organised hierarchy of leadership - but on a smaller scale to churches, no social or political influence in wider society + more exclusive approach to membership - convert to join
Sects
Smaller organisations which are generally very strict + exclusive - smaller membership, consists of just a few hundred people, no hierarchy of leadership - led by one, an extremely exclusive membership - most prove their worth, claim to have monopoly over the truth
Cults
Smallest + least organised of all categories, activities which are practiced by individuals for their own well being, activity includes the belief in astrology + practice of yoga
No real membership - practiced by individual people as + when they please
No system of leadership - cult activities are generally presided over by practitioners who pass down their knowledge
Evaluation
Bruce claims that many of the definitions are outdated, in the present day churches have fewer followers + less social influence than in the past - churches are similar to denominations in terms of their main characteristics
World-rejecting
They have a hostile relationship with wider society in which they expect members to turn their back on their ‘ old ‘ lives + follow a new set of norms + values which are dictated to them by the organisation
Often led by a charismatic leader who develops a god complex over time, claim to be fighting to bring radical social change + express disapproval of how society operates
Expect members to live separately from wider society + show commitment by cutting ties
World accommodating
Organisations tend to be very similar to denominations, only have a smaller following + have broken away from mainstream religious values
General positive relationship with wider society, may not fully accept mainstream social values but they do not reject them either, allowing members to continue with their normal lives alongside practicing their religious beliefs
Example is neo-Pentecostalism, strand of Christianity that believed the spirit of god can enter a person’s body whilst they worship, taking over their speech - speaking in tongue
World affirming
More cult like in structure and they ar
