organisation, movement and members

• What type of religious organization is midway between churches and sects?

  Denominations
• How do denominations differ from sects in terms of membership exclusivity?

  Membership is less exclusive than a sect
• What do denominations broadly accept regarding societal values?

  They broadly accept society's values
• How do denominations impose restrictions on their members compared to sects?

  They impose minor restrictions, less demanding than sects
• Do denominations claim a monopoly of truth?

  No, they do not claim a monopoly of truth
• What is a cult according to sociologists?

  A highly individualistic, loose-knit organization
• How do cults differ in terms of commitment from their followers?

  They do not demand strong commitment from followers
• Who typically leads cults?

  Practitioners or therapists with special knowledge
• How do cults view other organizations and beliefs?

  They are usually tolerant of other organizations
• What term does the media often misuse when referring to sects?

  Cult
• What happens when a world-rejecting religious movement commits mass suicide?

  The media often labels it a cult
• According to sociologists, what are organizations that commit mass suicide classified as?

  Sects, not cults
• What two characteristics does Wallis highlight in his simplification of Troeltsch and Niebuhr's typology?

  How they see themselves and how society sees them
• How do churches and sects view their interpretation of truth?

  They see it as the only correct one
• How do denominations and cults view interpretations of truth?

  They accept many valid interpretations of truth
• How are churches and denominations viewed by wider society?

  They are seen as respectable and legitimate
• How are sects and cults perceived by wider society?

  They are seen as deviant
• What are the key characteristics of denominations?

  • Midway between churches and sects
  • Less exclusive membership than sects
  • Broadly accept societal values
  • Impose minor restrictions on members
  • Do not claim a monopoly of truth
• What are the key characteristics of cults?

  • Highly individualistic and loose-knit
  • Usually small groupings
  • No sharply defined belief system
  • Led by practitioners claiming special knowledge
  • Do not demand strong commitment from followers
• What are Wallis's categories for New Religious Movements (NRMs)?

  1. World-affirming groups
  2. World-accommodating groups
  3. World-rejecting groups
• What are the stages of the sectarian cycle according to Stark and Bainbridge?

  1. Schism
  2. Initial fervour
  3. Denominationalism
  4. Establishment
• What factors explain the growth of religious movements?

  • Marginalization
  • Relative deprivation
  • Social change
• How do sects typically recruit their members?

  From the poor and oppressed
• What is relative deprivation?

  A subjective sense of deprivation compared to others
• How do sects provide a theodicy of disprivilege?

  By offering a religious explanation for suffering
• What does Wilson argue about social change and sects?

  Social change leads to feelings of uncertainty and insecurity
• How does Bruce view the growth of sects and cults today?

  As a response to modernisation and secularisation
• What impact did the 1960s social change have on NRMs?

  It allowed a counter-culture to develop
• What is the impact of globalisation on sects according to Wilson?

  It makes it harder for sects to maintain separatism
• What is the Protestant ethic effect in relation to sects?

  Sects may become prosperous and lose fervour
• What happens to sects when their leader dies?

  They may collapse or become a denomination
• What is the role of charismatic leaders in sects?

  They create initial fervour and tension
• How do conversionist sects aim to grow?

  By converting large numbers of people
• What do Adventist sects focus on for salvation?

  Holding themselves separate from the corrupt world
• How do Stark and Bainbridge classify cults?

  Based on levels of organizational and client involvement
• What are audience cults?

  The least organized with no formal membership
• What are client cults?

  Involves a consultant/client relationship
• What are cultic movements?

  More organized and exclusivist requiring high commitment
• What does Stark and Bainbridge argue about sects and cults?

  They are in conflict with wider society
• How do sects offer spiritual benefits?

  By providing other-worldly benefits to the deprived