Religious organisations an Movements

Question 1

Outline and explain 2 reasons why membership of sects may be short-lived

Answer 1

Sects are short-lived according to Niebhur because:

1. The death of the charismatic leader -c/l has a great deal of influence over the followers, once he dies, there is no one to lead the sect so the members re-join the mainstream society.
2. The protestant work ethic-sects encourage their followers to work hard. This often makes them better off so they no longer experience relative deprivation and re-join the mainstream society.

Question 2

Outline and explain 2 ways in which the growth of sects and New Age movements may be related to secularisation

Answer 2

Industrialisation and Enlightenment caused secularisation which causes sects - sects emerge through schism from an already established church, e.g Methodism emerged from Protestantism in the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment undermined traditional religious teachings about the world. According to WILSON, this rapid social change created anomie so people turned to sects for a solution.

Postmodernity is causing loss of faith in religion but also science which is causing NAMs- NAMs are emerging aar of PM in which ppl have become disillusioned by traditional religion which has failed to fulfil their spiritual needs and have therefore become secular. However, according to Drane, people have also now lost faith in science, as it created problems rather than solving them so people turn to NAMs to find the truth from within themselves.

Question 3

2 explanations for the increasing number of sects and their members

Answer 3

1. Marginal groups are those people who are not economically benefiting within society. Weber argues that sects appeal to these marginal groups by offering a solution to their situation -theodicy of disprivilege -a religious explanation and justification for their suffering and disadvantage, e.g their suffering is a test from God who will reward them in the afterlife.
2. Wilson argues that rapid social change undermines the established norms and values thus creating anomie, This creates a sense of uncertainty and insecurity which results in people turning to sects in search for a solution. For example, the social and economic upheaval caused by the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century led to the creation of Methodism which offered a sense of community , warmth and fellowship for the w/c at a time when communities were falling apart because of urbanisation.