(1) types of religions organisations

What are churches?

• bureaucratic + closely linked to state

• integrated w/ social + economic structure of society

• universalist w/ open membership

• world accommodating

• eg. Abrahamic faiths (CofE, Roman Catholics, Islam)

What are denominations?

• bureaucratic but do have some division in authority & are more democratic

• generally conservative

• integrate w/ social + economic structure of society

• universalist w/ open membership

• more tolerant of other denominations

• world accommodating

• eg. Sunni, Methodists

What are sects?

• not bureaucratic ~ more egalitarian

• radical

• closed/ controlled membership

• intolerant of others

• eg. Jehovah’s Witnesses

What are cults?

• loose structure

• emphasise opportunity + success

• expect followers to live normal lives

• open membership & tolerant of other religions

• not necessarily religious

• sees members as customers

• eg. scientology

What are new religious movements?

• tend to be religious in nature

• temporary membership

• led by charismatic leader

• transient

• eg. scientologists

What are New Age movements?

• self as the final authority

• world affirming

• eg. clarvoyance, Feng Shui

What does Steve Bruce argue about the traditional definition of a church as a large religious organisation representing the main religion of a society?

• since Reformation in 16th century, there have been variety of Christian religions inc. the Protestant CofE established by Henry VIII

• development of religious pluralism undermines dominance of churches as they don’t have a monopoly on religious belief

What does Alan Aldridge (2000) argue about the distinction between denominations and sects?

• whether a religious organisation is seen as acceptable depends on context

• eg. the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) seen as respectable & more like a denomination in the USA, but deviant in Britain & therefore more like a sect

What is an example of a sect that became violent?

• Branch Davidians, founded by charismatic leader David Koresh, established a commune in Texas

• Koresh demanded absolute loyalty

• in 1993, the gov. attempted to search their premises (for firearms) & were met by gunfire; 4 killed

• FBI decided to arrest those inside

• fire began resulting in deaths of over 80 Branch Davidians inc. 22 children

• investigation found members started fire though survivors claim otherwise

What element of cults does Steve Bruce emphasise?

• based on more individualistic set of beliefs than other religions

• leave more room for individual interpretation of beliefs ~ lack fixed doctrine

• thus tolerate other beliefs & wouldn’t exclude people for having heretical beliefs