The Organisation of Religion Flashcards
What are churches according to Troeltsch?
Large scale, inclusive membership, few demands for members, claim monopoly of the truth, accept wider society eg. Catholocism
What are the appeal of churches?
Appeal to people of varied social backgrounds, though link to socially powerful such as the monarch, link to Marxism
What are sects according to Troeltsch?
Small and exclusive membership, high demands of members, claim monopoly of the truth, hostile to wider society eg. Jehovah’s Witnesses
What are the appeal of sects?
The extreme demands made within the group provide a sense of integration and status if they are socially disprivileged
What is a sectarian breakaway according to Weber?
Often forms from a schism from an existing religion, generally based on charismatic leader who will claim to have special powers
What is a denomination according to Neibuhr?
A religious organisation falling between the formality of a church or radicalism of a sect, don’t claim monopoly of the truth, accepts wider society eg. Methodism
What is a cult according to Troeltsch?
Though often wrongly referred to as a deviant religious group, cults are loosely organised with low commitment from members, who are more like customers, tend to be “New Age” eg. Scientology
What are the appeal of cults?
Offer members a mean to attain socially desirable goals, accept wider society, often appeal to young middle-class to cope with pressures
What is an Audience Cult?
Least organised, no formal membership or commitment, little interaction between members and participation could be through the media eg. Astrology
What is a Client Cult?
Client and consultant relationship, emphasis on ‘therapies’ promising fulfillment and self-discovery eg. Homeopathy
What is a Cultic Movement?
Most organised and committed, aim to meet all of members needs thus rarely allowed to belong to other religious groups at the same time eg. The Moonies
What is a World Rejecting NRM according to Wallis?
Similar to cults, extremely critical of mainstream society, usually requires leaving old lifestyle behind
What is a World Affirming NRM according to Wallis?
Similar to client cults, offering a service, do not oppose mainstream society, require little commitment
What is a World Accomodating NRM according to Wallis?
Neither fully accept nor reject mainstream society, often stemmed from a traditional religion in hope of reviving traditions/beliefs that have been lost
