Growth & Popularity of NRM

• What has been the trend in the number of sects and cults since the 1980s?

  Rapid growth in number
• How many NRMs are estimated to exist in the UK?

  Over 800 NRMs
• How many people belong to non-mainstream Christian churches in the UK?

  Over half a million people
• What are the three main explanations for the growth of NRMs, cults, and sects?

  1. Marginality
  2. Relative Deprivation
  3. Social Change
• What does Weber mean by "Theodicy of disprivilege"?

  Justification for marginalised status
• How do sects/NRMs provide alternative privileges to their members?

  By offering a sense of honour
• What is Wallis's argument regarding middle-class members of sects?

  They may feel deprived despite privilege
• What do Stark and Bainbridge argue about relatively deprived individuals?

  They break away to form sects
• Why do privileged individuals prefer world-accepting NRMs?

  They seek to express their status
• How does Scientology claim to benefit its members?

  By increasing IQ through memory release
• What does Bryan Wilson argue about social change and sects?

  Rapid social change leads to sect formation
• What does Bruce argue about the growth of sects and cults today?

  It is a response to modernisation
• Why do people prefer cults over traditional churches?

  Cults require fewer sacrifices
• What factors contributed to the popularity of world-rejecting movements in the 1960s?

  • Increased time spent in education
  • Freedom from adult responsibilities
  • Disillusionment with traditional society
  • Desire for alternative norms and values
• What is the appeal of world-affirming movements like Transcendental meditation?

  They provide a sense of identity
• What does Niebuhr argue about the lifespan of sects?

  They are short-lived organizations
• What does Wilson argue about the longevity of some sects?

  Some sects can survive long-term
• What are Adventist sects characterized by?

  Belief in the Second Coming of Christ
• What challenge do Wilson's sects face due to globalization?

  Difficulty maintaining separation from society
• What is the goal of Conversionist sects?

  To convert as many people as possible
• What issue arises from using an ideal type in defining sects?

  It may not apply cross-culturally
• What is a limitation of researching world-rejecting NRMs?

  Ethical issues in exposing them
• What are the arguments for and against the view that sects are short-lived organizations?

  For:

  • Niebuhr: Sects are short-lived due to schism.
  • Second generation lacks commitment.

  
  

  Against:

  • Wilson: Some sects can endure long-term.
  • Adventist sects maintain separation and commitment.