RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Question 1

CHURCH

Answer 1

SIZE: large

CHARCATERISTICS:
- hierarchal structure
-bureaucratic
- closely linked to the state
conservative
- claim monopoly of truth

ATTITUDE TO SOCIETY: WORLD ACCOMODATING

members are often UPPER CLASS or RECRUITED MIDDLE CLASS

EG: Roman Catholic

Question 2

DENOMINATION

Answer 2

SIZE: medium

CHARACTERISTICS:
- less hierarchal than churches

ATTITUDE TO WIDER SOCIETY: WORLD ACCOMODATING

EG: Methodists

Question 3

SECT

Answer 3

SIZE: small

CHARACTERISTICS:
- CHARASMATIC LEADER
- tight knit community

ATTITUDE TO WIDER SOCIETY: WORLD REJECTING

EG: MOONIES

Question 4

CULT

Answer 4

SIZE: small

CHARACTERISTICS:
-loose structure
-open membership
-TOLERANT of other religions
- may not be religious in nature

EG: Scientology

Question 5

NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

Answer 5

SIZE: small

CHARACTERISTICS:
- temporary membership
- attracts young people
- short lived and transient

EG: Jehovah Witnesses

Question 6

NEW AGE MOVEMENTS

Answer 6

SIZE: small

CHARACTERISTICS:
low level of commitment

ATTITUDE TO WIDER SOCIETY: WORLD AFFIRMING

EG: UFO

Question 7

why SECTS are SHORT LIVED?

Answer 7

1. DEATH OF SECT LEADER, most sects are centred on a CHARASMATIC LEADER and so the structure will fizzle out once they die. Eg, the SECT JONESTOWN ended once JIM JONES DIED
2. RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY; there is a variety of RELIGIONS for people to CHOOSE from, allowing people to experiment without commitment: SPIRITUAL SHOPPING.
3. CHANGING SITUATION OF MEMBERS, sects attract W/C ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS with HARDSHIPS. When their SITUATION CHANGES: have MORE MONEY, they may leave. Resulting in a REDUCTION OF MEMBERS.
4. HARD TO MAINTAIN SECOND GEN MEMBERS. Children are LESS COMMITTED and OLDER MEMBERS will eventually die. GLOBALISATION has led to an INCREASE OF OTHER WAYS OF LIVING that BRINGS TEENAGERS CLOSER TO MAINSTREAM MEDIA