religious orgs characteristics

Question 1

church

Answer 1

• run by a hierarchy of priests
• millions of members
• MC conservatives
• connected to the state
• accept society’s values
• few demands on members
• claim monopoly on the truth
• e.g. catholicism

Question 2

denomination

Answer 2

• hierarchy of paid officials
• large membership
• not linked to the state
• accept society’s values
• minor restrictions, e.g. forbidding alcohol
• claim no monopoly
• e.g. pentecostalism

Question 3

sect

Answer 3

• led by a charismatic leader
• up to millions of members
• draw members from the poor/oppressed
• not linked to the state
• hostile to wider society and deviant
• high level of commitment
• claim a monopoly on the truth
• e.g. the people’s temple

Question 4

cult

Answer 4

• usually led by ‘practitioners’
• small in number
• often MC female members
• not linked to the state
• often seen as deviant
• no formal commitment required
• claim no monopoly
• e.g. transcendental meditation