Religious Organisations

Churches
1. Membership
  1. by ascription
  2. by christening or baptism
  3. if born in that country, can be that religion
2. Organisation
  1. Large organisation
3. Worship and ritual
  1. formal
  2. communal, with others (Sunday service etc)
4. Sense of legitimacy
  1. claim a monopoly of the truth
  2. not tolerant of other views
5. Relationship to wider society
  1. accepts society's norms and values
  2. inclusive
  3. 'shapes society'
6. Involvement and commitment
  1. members play an active role
  2. they are very involved
Sects
1. Membership
  1. can't just join
  2. have to earn it by demonstrating commitment or knowledge
2. Organisation
  1. lack a complex hierarchy
  2. lack clergy
  3. charismatic leader
3. Worship and ritual
  1. little use of rituals
  2. worship is typically expressive, spontaneous and emotional
4. Involvement and commitment
  1. supposed to spend time in sectarian commitments
5. Sense of legitimacy
  1. claim monopoly of the truth
6. Relationship to wider society
  1. not involved in wider society
  2. contact with non members is discouraged
  3. only talk to society to convert them
Denomination
1. Membership
  1. open to all
  2. NOT universalistic like church, doesn't seek whole population
2. Organisation
  1. paid officials & clergy
  2. small hierarchy
3. Worship and ritual
  1. formal
  2. fewer rituals
4. Involvement and commitment
  1. no pressure like in sect
5. Sense of legitimacy
  1. don't claim monopoly of the truth
  2. accept other views and beliefs
6. Relationship to wider society
  1. accept wider society
  2. not as involved with state as church
Cult
1. Membership
  1. 'customers'
  2. achieve some personal aim
2. Organisation
  1. individualistic
  2. little interaction with other members
3. Worship and ritual
  1. no real worship or ritual
4. Involvement and commitment
  1. part time
  2. life or work are main priorities over the cult
5. Sense of legitimacy
  1. no monopoly of the truth
6. Relationship to wider society
  1. offers route to be more successful
  2. in both life and society

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Religious Organisations

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	Created by harrietdodd2 about 10 years ago