Religious organisations Flashcards
What are churches?
large, inclusive organisations that support the values of society
What are the 3 characteristics of churches?
- involuntary membership
- accept the norms and values of wider society
- stabilise and decide the political order eg in Ireland they decide on abortion rights
What does Bruce say about the concept of ‘the church’?
it’s not relevant in todays modern society
What does NRM refer to?
cults and sects that have emerged since the 1960s
What does Wallis say about the term NRMs?
It’s too wide
What are Wallis’ 3 types of NRMs?
- world accommodating
- world rejecting
- world affirming
describe world accommodating
they are break away groups that have strict moral codes in private.
World rejecting
mainly sects-they reject the world seeing it as evil and have to cut off ties with friends and family. There’s a leader. They have to give away material items. Can’t have sexual relationships. Appeal to the young
World affirming
they are mainly cults. have no strict rules, focus on self improvement through training like couselling. Costly, memebers are more like customers.
What does Heelas say about world affirming NRMs?
they are cults for capitalism
What are New Age Movements?
term that groups together a diverse range of beliefs which focus on inner spirituality, the environment, mysticism, astrology, paganism, magic. They are traditional beliefs that have been modernised.
What are the 3 themes of NAMS according to Bruce?
- alternative science-reject traditional science
- self spirituality- focuses on the inner self and how individuals can better themselves through practices eg mediation, yoga
- Detraditionalisation-no holy text or hierarchy or formal membership
What does Heelas say is the main aim of NAMs?
self improvement
Why are people attracted to NAMs according to Lyon?
They are starved of spirituality today
Who join NAMS?
- those seeking self improvement (Heelas-m/c)
- women (Bruce:m/c)
- those feeling spiritually deprived (Giddens: add excitement)
