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Mid-Term Exam
The classical sociologist identifies that there are different types of religious groups that have been recognized. These groups include the church, sect, cult, and new age religious movements and denominations (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred”). The church represents the most popular forms of spiritual practice and significant societal columns’ religious expression (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred” 136). It refers to the congregation or organization of Christian believers. The church is based on the central sound doctrine of its belief in God, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Many of the churches are organized formally and have constitutions and by-laws to lead them. The clergy and laypeople lead churches, and in the nations where churches are permissible, they operate as a non-profit organization to serve the people. Churches can exist as universal or locally. Examples include the Protestants and Catholic churches.
Denominations are another topology that exhibits unique features as a religious group. Generally, denominations also exist in a formal structure that has a hierarchy of paid officials. Additionally, they accept members from different and diverse cultures with distinct social backgrounds. However, denominations are smaller and are not universal, like churches. These groups have specific rules on their members that they believe should be adhered to and followed. They do not identify themselves with the state as they think that the church should be a separate entity from the government. Regardless, this group does not claim to have a monopoly on the true religion and is tolerant of other faiths.
On the other hand, a sect refers to people with different religious beliefs from those of a larger group that they formerly belonged (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred” 136). Sect differs from the churches in several ways, and all have some common characteristics. A sect is a protest group from the church, and the broader culture and state characterizing the small number of members. It is exclusive and tends to reject a particular religious division of labor. These sects demand total allegiance of their members, making membership the most crucial aspect of the sect and personal identification (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred” 137). However, membership to the sect is voluntary. Not all sects additionally conform to all the features. Some intellects have identified that sects tend to be short-term and rise into a denomination status. Examples include the “conversionist sect,” the “revolutionist sect,” the “manipulationist sect,” and the “utopian sect.” The varied features of these sects in terms of ideology and organization, make some vulnerable to others.
The new religious movements and cults are presented with new striking developments in the contemporary religious scene, creating many religious concerns. For the last four decades, these organizations have increased explosively (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred” 140). However, not all characteristics of these groups can be attained. These organizations portray many similar and salient features. The new-age groups underline the factors that people’s personal lives and the exposure of western civilization are exposed to destructive paths. They believe that most people continue to carry the baggage of their past experiences. These movements, therefore, seek to free an individual from their destructive accumulated baggage of trauma, pain, guilt, and fear through a process of transformation. Secondly, these organizations focus on the person and their physical and spiritual transformation rather than a worshipping community, for instance, in church. They also share a genuine concern about the environment and the independence of all living things (“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred” 142). Examples of new religious movements include the church of Scientology that was founded by L.Ron.Hubbard and the Wicca-Neo pagan Witchcraft.
Myths refer to the stories that try to explain the human relationship and their surroundings. Religion focusses on mythology, while theology analyzes superficial explanations. Mythology contains both fictional and factual elements. However, in religion, mythology is used in supernatural explanations. It cannot be separated from the study of religious beliefs, religious rituals, and religion in general. In Campbell’s book, he covers the four functions of myths; metaphysical, cosmological, sociological, and psychological, to explain religious perceptions.
References
“Chapter 7: Society and the Sacred.”