Religious Organisations Flashcards

1
Q

Substantive definition

A

Something supernatural e.g. a God- excludes other beliefs

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2
Q

Functional definition

A

Beliefs have functions e.g. brings people together (referred to as the inclusive definition)

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3
Q

Social constructionist definition

A

Focuses on what religion means to individuals- micro approach

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4
Q

Key characteristics (3)

A

Closed knowledge system, empirical evidence not necessary, claim to answer the questions in life

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5
Q

How does religion challenge science?

A

Many religions are creationist- world created by a god rather than evolution

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6
Q

Contemporary issues/problems (4)

A

Causes conflict, misinterpreted, exclusive, difficult to measure/operationalise

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7
Q

Durkheim

A

Studied totemism which he saw as the most basic form of religion

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8
Q

Traditional typology

A

Church , denomination, sect, cult.

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9
Q

New Religious Movements (NRMs)

A

Developed by Wallis to understand the developments of many NEW religions in 20th century. He recognised there had been a development of religious organisations which did not fit neatly into the ideal types (Trad typo).

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10
Q

Weber- Church (4)

A

Has a clear structure/hierarchy,
Positive and tolerant attitude to wider society
Claims monopoly of truth
Closely linked to the state

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11
Q

Troeltsch- Sect (4)

A

Everyone is equal- one charismatic leader
Strong commitment
Claim a monopoly of truth
Hostile to wider society

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12
Q

Cult (4)

A

Less structured
Attracts m/c members
Very tolerant of wider society/other beliefs
Focus on self-fulfilment and success

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13
Q

Niebuhr- Denominations (4)

A

Something in between a sect and cult
Some level of commitment required
Focus on religious experiences rather than real world
Appeals to those who feel disillusioned with mainstream churches e.g. pentecostal

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14
Q

NRMs World Rejecting (4)

A

Claim monopoly of truth, are hostile to wider society, appeal to marginalised and deprived groups, provide a sense of family/community e.g. Peoples Temple

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15
Q

NRMs World Affirming (2)

A

Positive about mainstream society and aim to help individuals be successful within it via self improvement e.g. Yoga

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16
Q

NRMs World Accommodating (2)

A

Neither positive or negative, focused on spiritual and religious experiences e.g. Neo-Pentecostalism

17
Q

Why might someone join an NRM? (2)

A

Wallis- Status frustration, offer young people status when there frustrated with their position in school/family
Heelas- Emphasis on individualism, focuses on individual needs e.g. cults, whereas church focusses on conservative values

18
Q

Bruce- New Age Movements (NAMs) (3)

A

Looks at the impact on individuals and the self, focus on new age beliefs, personal development and fulfilment. Considers the beliefs that are in smaller groups that don’t fit in a particular organisation

19
Q

NAMs New Psychology

A

Movements which focus on spirituality and self improvement e.g. yoga, meditation

20
Q

NAMs New Ecology

A

Movements which see the environment as sacred & in need of protection e.g. Veganism

21
Q

NAMs New Science

A

Movements which use new methods to practice medicine and healing, and claim to have scientific evidence for supernatural phenomena e.g. Homeopathy, UFOs

22
Q

Positive of NRM

A

Meets religious and spiritual needs for those who don’t engage in mainstream religion

23
Q

Negative of NRM

A

Caused public concern over controlling tendencies e.g. people who harm themselves

24
Q

Positive of NAM

A

Individuals are free to pick and choose spiritual beliefs to help achieve peace of mind

25
Q

Negative of NAM

A

Cover such a wide range of movements its difficult to fit some groups into a classification

26
Q

Why might someone join an NAM?

A

Lyotard- Filling the vacuum, in a postmodern society there’s loss of faith in metanarratives resulting in a ‘crisis of meaning’ and NAMs fill the ‘vacuum of meaning’
Secularisation- Decline in religious beliefs (mostly in traditional) leads people looking to replace with alternatives