religious organisations

Question 1

list the features of a church, as well as some examples

Answer 1

-large
-bureaucratic and closely linked to the state
-conservative
-integrate with the social and economic structure of society
-universalist with open membership
-tend to be intolerant and hegemonic
-world accommodating
-Church of England
-Islam
-Judaism

Question 2

list the features of a denomination, as well as some examples

Answer 2

-medium
-bureaucratic, but have some division in authority
-generally conservative
-integrate with the social and economic structure of society
-universalist with open membership
-tolerant of other denominations
-world accommodating
-Methodists
-Orthodox Judaism

Question 3

list the features of a sect, as well as some examples

Answer 3

-small
-not bureaucratic and hierarchal, more egalitarian
-radical in nature
-withdrawn
-closed/controlled membership
-intolerant of others
-world rejecting
-People’s Temple
-Jehovah Witnesses

Question 4

list the features of cults, as well as some examples

Answer 4

-small
-loose structure
-emphasise opportunity and success
-open membership
-tolerant of other religions
-may not be religious in nature
-sees their members as customers/consumers
-scientology

Question 5

list the features of New Religious Movements as well as some examples

Answer 5

-small
-religious in nature
-usually young adults
-temporary membership
-charismatic leader
-monopoly of truth and isolationist
-short lived and transient
-Branch Davidians
-Heavens gate

Question 6

list the features of New Age Movements as well as some examples

Answer 6

-small
-emphasis on the self
-everything is connected
-global cafeteria
-therapy
-world affirming
-astrology
-alternative medicine
-Feng Shui