Sects Flashcards
Introduction
Sects were originally groups that broke away from the dominant religion in a society because of a disagreement over the interpretation of the religion. As sects often challenged the state and the church they were often persecuted and as such they remained small in membership. However, as some sects have become more accepted in society they have developed into denominations whilst others have had the opportunity to form their own subcultures.
Small, exclusive membership with an oppositional stance towards society
By its very nature a sect must be small as it depends upon close links between members and an oppositional stance towards wider society.
Also, membership is exclusive: only people who ‘know the truth’ and actively commit themselves to it count as members. Sects claim a monopoly of the truth and do not accept the right of other religions to claim any authority over their beliefs.
Members of the sect are promised rewards either in a new order on earth or later in heaven. Only those who join will be ‘saved’ from the evils of wider society. This gives the sect an elite status. As the sect claims a monopoly of the truth it may reject and be hostile to the values of wider society. e.g. the Amish in the USA reject all forms of modern technology. In the case of the Amish, members are expected to withdraw from life outside the sect.
Weber claims some sects generate support from the lower classes or those who are marginalised in society and who are opposed to the State and society. They draw people out of a wider, largely impersonal society and into a warm supportive group.
Require total commitment from members:
Membership of sects is not a right but has to be gained by personal merit. Members of the sect are expected to be deeply committed to its beliefs. Members are asked to give their total commitment to the sect and this may include withdrawing from life outside of the sect and giving up their income for the benefit of the sect. They may be excluded from the sect if they fail to demonstrate such a commitment. Sects can have strict rules which lay down patterns of approved behaviour in everyday life.
They must join voluntarily as adults (adult baptism), and willingly adopt the lifestyle and beliefs of the sect. In particular they must sacrifice worldly pleasures in order to devote themselves to the religious life. In this way sects exercise strong control over individual’s lives.
Require total commitment from members 2
Members are also expected to submit to the rulings of their leader. Weber argues that all sects are originally based on personal charisma i.e. a leader with special qualities and who followers see as inspirational. Such a charismatic figure often claims that the established church is in error. e.g. Rev’ Jim Jones became a charismatic leader of the People’s Temple and had a strict control of his followers.
