Religious Organisations Flashcards
Who defined the church?
Troeltsch
What did Troeltsch define the church as? (8)
A major world religion
Very large numbers
Long life span
Hierarchical
Accepts societies norms and values
Claim a monopoly over truth
Conservative
Not a strong commitment
Who defined a denomination?
Niebuhr
What did Niebuhr define a denomination as? (6)
A particular branch under a church
Age varies
Large numbers
Less hierarchical
Accept societies norms and values
Stronger faith commitment
What term does Becker use to describe denominations?
‘Cooled down’ - begun as a protest but cool down to become organised and institutionalised - less extreme
Who defines a sect?
Troeltsch
What did Troeltsch define a sect as? (7)
Opposed to societies norms and values
Small numbers
High level of faith commitment
Claim a monopoly over the truth
Led by a charismatic leader
No hierarchy
Shot lifespan
What reasons does Niebuhr give for a seat’s short lifespan?
It loses momentum when the leader dies
Children do not have the same intensity
It grows to become a denomination
The sectarian cycle
Stark and Bainbridge
What are the 4 components of the sectarian cycle?
Schism - Argument causing break away
Initial fevour - Oppose wider society values
Denominationalism - ‘Cool down’
Establishment - Become a denomination
What types of people join sects?
Marginalised
Vulnerable
What types of people join cults?
Attract people who are looking for spiritual fulfillment
New religious movements (NRMs)
Wallis
What are the three forms of New Age Movements?
World affirming
World accommodating
World rejecting
World affirming
Accept the world and do not seek societal change
Do not denounce other religions
World accommodating
Not entirely happy with the world but will make the most of their time on the planet
World rejecting movements
Demand social change as they do not agree with the current state of the world
What are the 4 reasons for the growth of NRMs?
As a response to marginalisation and poverty (Weber - Theodicies of deprivalege)
Due to relative deprivation
Response to social change
Postmodernism
When were NRMs?
Post 1940’s
New age movements
A wide diversity of mind-body-spirit ideas
When we’re NAMs?
Post 1980’s
What are the key features of NAMs? (5)
Anti-institutional
Spiritual rather than religious
No external force of authority
Open minded to alternative healings
Inner spiritualism and personal development
Who do NAMs appeal to?
People already examining their identity
The Kendal Project
NAMs
Heelas and Woodhead (2000-2002)
Increase in spiritualities and decrease in traditional religion
