The Development Of Sects - Beliefs

Question 1

How does Niebuhr suggest that Sects are short lived?

Answer 1

Argues the either evolve into a larger, more socially accepted denomination or they would die out

Question 2

What is Niebuhr’s first reason?

Answer 2

Members first live strict lives, but their social status and wealth increase which means their situation no longer fits with the rejection of wider society = begin to modify their extreme views

Question 3

What is Niebuhr’s second reason?

Answer 3

The next generation are born into the sect so hold less enthusiasm and commitment. This generation leave and the sect dies out.

Question 4

What is Niebuhr’s third reason?

Answer 4

As a sect gets bigger and needs more full-time officials this can lead to its downfall. More members and less radical views mean more social acceptance which leads to a denomination
e.g. Methodists began as a sect, moderated beliefs and developed into a denomination

Question 5

What does Yinger argue?

Answer 5

That death or denomination are not the only alternatives:
- some sects become established sects
= often do so by isolating themselves from the outside world e.g. Amish

Question 6

What does Wilson argue?

Answer 6

Argues that there are conversionist and adventist sects:

• Conversionist: to save the sect they convert as many people as possible
• Adventist: primary aim is to prepare for the day of judgment = must separate themselves from society

Question 7

What does Wallis argues?

Answer 7

That NRMs are diverse and the way they respond to both internal and external factors in their development varies