religin 3

ecclesia

State religion

The term ecclesia, originally referring to a political assembly of citizens in ancient Athens, Greece, now refers to a congregation.

Refers to a religious group that most members of a society belong to.

A religious organization that is closely tied to the state and often considered the official religion of a country.

Members of the society are typically expected to belong to this religion.

Examples include the Church of England in the United Kingdom and the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City.

The United States does not have an ecclesia by this standard; in fact, this is the type of religious organization that many of the first colonists came to America to escape.

an ecclesia

is a state or national religion that is officially recognized and often integrated into the government. Membership is usually automatic at birth.

islam in saudi arabia

Explanation: Ecclesia is large-scale and institutionalized

It often holds a monopoly on religious belief within the society.

It works closely with political leaders and shapes laws, education, and social policies.

Examples:

Islam in Saudi Arabia - The government and legal system are based on Islamic law (Sharia).

sect

• is a subgroup that has broken away from a larger religious denomination or tradition due to differences in interpretation or practice.

• Sects often emphasize strict adherence to particular teachings and may be seen as more exclusive or fundamentalist.

• An example is the Amish sect within
  Christianity.

• The Amish are known for their distinct way of life, including simple living and a rejection of modern technology.

a sect

seventh day

smaller, breakaway group that has separated from a larger religious tradition, often to return to what members believe is the "true faith."

Explanation: Sects often form due to dissatisfaction with mainstream religion.

They are more emotionally expressive, often more strict or literal in beliefs.

Sects may view themselves as the "pure" or "chosen" group.

Examples:

Puritans (broke away from the Church of England)

Seventh-day Adventists (began as a sectarian movement before becoming a denomination)

Early Mormons in the 1800s

cult

like sects, are new religious groups.

Heaven's Gate, new age cults

Today, this term often carries derogative connotations.

• They may have charismatic leaders and distinct beliefs that are not widely accepted within mainstream religions

• The term cult is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "new religious movement" (NRM).

• these groups are often criticized as being secretive, highly controlling of members' lives, and dominated by a single

a cult

	a religious movement that is new, unorthodox, and often centered around a charismatic leader.
	Explanation: Cults usually emerge with novel beliefs and are outside of traditional religions.
	They may be highly controlling and secretive.
	Often face opposition or suspicion from mainstream society.
	Examples:
	Heaven's Gate or People's Temple (historical cults with tragic outcomes)
	Some modern New Age movements may be viewed as cultic depending on structure and doctrine.
	Note: The word cult can be controversial — in sociology, it simply means a new religious movement (NRM), but in popular use, it often has a negative meaning.

church

monopoly on the truth

oldest most structured largets

well established and intergates in society. often have a close relationship with the state

e.g. Catholic Church. Church of England

denomination

no monopoly Eon the truth

well integrated. integrated but no link with state. described as 'sects that have cooled down' by Becker

e.g. Baptists, Pentecostalists. Methodists

sects

monopoly Con on the truth

more radical 'off- shoots' of churches. headed by charismatic leaders

e.g. Unification Church, Mormons

cult

newest

covers a variety of Naf groups and small audience cults, to larger cultic movements

e.g. New Age ideas, TM. Scientology

no monopoly on the he truth truth