Religious Organisations Flashcards
what is a typology?
a generalisation used to classify things into groups according to their characteristics which do not necessarily apply in every real world example
what is an ideal type?
a model of a phenomenon, built by identifying the essential characteristics.
what is the purpose of an ideal type?
to provide a measuring rod enabling the researcher to compare examples and types
explain Wallis’ 3 main types of religious group
world accommodating - accept dominant norms and values and live similar lifestyles to the rest of society
world rejecting - in opposition to the world and reject dominant norms
world affirming - accept society as it is, offer a means of self-improvement within in but live a similar life to the rest of society
what does Troeltsch say about churches?
churches are large organisations that claim a monopoly, they are universalistic and more attractive to the middle class
what does Bruce suggest about the concept of the church?
that it is outdated and should only be applied where a single religious organisation dominates society e.g. medieval europe with roman catholicism
he argues although the church of england is the official church it is now considered as one denomination among others
who says that denominations lay midway between sect and church and that membership is less exclusive than sects but they don’t appeal to the whole of society like a church
Niebuhr
What does Wilson say about what sects are like?
they exist in conflict with wider society, believe in only one route to salvation, have stern discipline, a charismatic leader and demand strict commitment
how do Wallis and Bruce see cults differing from sects?
instead of tightly knit groups cults are looser knit, open to all and highly individualistic
who suggests that cults focus on individual expression and experience, don’t claim a monopoly of truth and lack exclusive belief systems
Giddens
explain Stark and Bainbridge’s 3 types of cult
- audience cults - provide little beyond information services that are usually consumed individually
- client cults - offers services such a therapy
- cult movements - more organised with a range of activities e.g. scientology
new religious movements are those that have emerged since …..
1945
who points of that many NRM’s draw upon traditional faiths
Wallis
Aldridge notes NRM’s are often controversial social movements, people who use world affirming NRM do so as customers but although affirming they can come into conflict with groups such as medical proffession. give an example
scientology campaign against the use of psychoactive drug prozac
how many members did scientology have in 2009?
165,000
