Religious organizations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious or spiritual organizations and movements, beliefs and practices

What is the difference between: A church A denomination A sect A cult

Roy Wallis (1976) - divided organizations into respectable (uniquely legitimate or pluralistically legitimate) or deviant Respectable Deviant Uniquely legitimate Church Sect Pluralistically legitimate Denomination Cult

Church

The church - Ernst Troeltsch (1931) – refers to a large religious organization. Individuals are born into it. A church might try to be universal but in reality substantial minorities don’t belong. It usually ‘stabilizes and determines the political order’. Churches are often closely related to the state. Likely to be religiously conservative and support the status quo.

The church - Ernst Troeltsch (1931) – Refers to a large religious organization Islam: 2.1 million; Catholicism: 1.2 billion; Protestants: 350 million (Anglican church: 100 million)

The church - Ernst Troeltsch (1931) – Refers to a large religious organization Case study: Catholicism There are 219,714 Catholic parishes in 168 countries The Catholic Church owns about 237,000 acres in America There are 4,100 priests in Korea There are 8,847 Roman Catholic schools in France There are 2.2 million Catholics in Pakistan 3,500,000 teachers in 250,000 Catholic schools worldwide teach 42,000,000 pupils

A church might try to be universal but in reality substantial minorities don’t belong.

A church might try to be universal but in reality substantial minorities don’t belong.

Individuals are born into it. Islam Case Study: The Muslim call to prayer or adhaan ("God is great, there is no God but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Come to prayer.") are the first words a newborn Muslim baby should hear. They are whispered into the right ear of the child by his or her father. The baby's first taste should be something sweet, so parents may chew a piece of date and rub the juice along the baby's gums. It was a practice carried out by the Prophet Muhammad and is believed to help tiny digestive systems to kick in. There are a number of events that take place on or after the seventh day. After seven days the baby's head is shaved (a tradition also carried out by Hindus). This is to show that the child is the servant of Allah. Although Hindus may take the baby's hair to India and scatter it in the holy river Ganges, Muslims weigh it and give the equivalent weight in silver to charity.

It usually ‘stabilizes and determines the political order’.

Churches are often closely related to the state.

New Christian Right: Anti abortion Anti gay marriage Family Likely to be religiously conservative and support the status quo. New Christian Right: Anti abortion Anti gay marriage Family

Denominations

H.R Niebuhr (1929) – a denomination does not have universal appeal – 2005 – 289,000 attending Methodists, 287,600 attending Pentecostal and 254,800 Baptist. - Denominations are not so closely linked with the upper classes. - Denominations don’t identify with the state - they do not claim a monopoly on religious truth (Steve Bruce – most important distinction) usually conservative Stark and Bainbridge (1985) – an organization that shares several but not all the supposed features of a church – a watered down church.  

Sects

# Sects are groups that are formed as an offshoot of an existing religion. Troeltsch (1981) Diametrically opposed to the church Smaller and more integrated Connected with the lower classes or at least from those opposed to the state They reject the values of the world Members might be expected to withdraw from the world outside the group They are expected to be deeply committed to their beliefs Members join as adults voluntarily and adopt the lifestyle of the sect – they exercise a stronger control over individuals Monopoly of the truth No hierarchy of paid officials – usually there is one single charismatic leader

Roy Wallis (1976) – views sects as deviant groups which see themselves as uniquely legitimate. Sects tend to break away from the dominant group in society because of a disagreement. Some of these groups which broke away would be accepted as denominations but deviant groups were seen as sects.

Bryan Wilson (1985) Seven different types of sects Conversionist; Revolutionary; Introversionist; Manipulative; Thaumaturgical (miracles/personal messages from God); Reformist; Utopian

The People’s Temple – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NQ5KBzD8w0 Branch Davidians - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0jTEzyf1yc Amish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtNXvE_rLoE Mormons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-IaoBHJ3m0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6udew9axmdM

STARTER: Church, denomination, sect or cult?

STARTER: Church, denomination, sect or cult? An offshoot of an existing religion They reject the values of the world Usually there is one single charismatic leader

STARTER: Church, denomination, sect or cult? Refers to a large religious organization individuals are born into it it usually ‘stabilizes and determines the political order’.

STARTER: Church, denomination, sect or cult? A ‘loosely knit group organized around some common themes and interests but lacking in any sharply defined and exclusive belief system’.

STARTER: Church, denomination, sect or cult? Does not have universal appeal don’t identify with the state usually conservative

The People’s Temple – 1970s – just 900 members; mixed membership including affluent whites and impoverished black Americans – based upon a Marxist philosophy – Jim jones moved the sect to Guyana and set up a commune – 1978, entire sect died after taking cyanide (some committed suicide, others murdered by being tricked into taking the poision). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NQ5KBzD8w0

Branch Davidians Waco commune – 1990s – David Koresh – demanded absolute loyalty – 1993 Bureau of Alchohol, Tobacco and Firearms tried to search the premises but were met by gunfire – Four ATF members died and 16 wounded. The FBI tried to arrest those inside but a fire started and 80 sect members died – the fire was started by the sect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0jTEzyf1yc

Homework case studies

Roy Wallis (1976) – views sects as deviant groups which see themselves as uniquely legitimate. Sects tend to break away from the dominant group in society because of a disagreement. Some of these groups which broke away would be accepted as denominations but deviant groups were seen as sects.

Sect for a generation? Niebuhr (1929) argued that sects are unlikely to last more than one generation because: The children of members would not have the fervor of their parents Sects rely on a charismatic leader so when he/she dies… The ideology of many sects contain the seeds of their own destruction A good example of a sect changing to a denomination is the Methodists. When it rose in status and membership, the strict disciplines and its rejection of society was dropped… Mass suicide – People’s Temple, the Branch Davidians and the Heaven’s Gate group.

Sect for a generation? Bryan Wilson (1966) rejects this. Some sects last a long time (Amish, the Quakers, Mormons etc…) without becoming denominations. Only one type (conversionist sect) is likely to become a denomination – evangelicals. Adventist sects (separate from the world) cannot maintain their principles as a denomination – Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Events Politics DESCRIBE THE 1960s Movements Attitudes

Roy Wallis: The Elementary Forms of New Religious Life (1984) From the early 60’s, there was a large growth of the number of religious organisations in society. Many of them didn’t fit into the traditional church-denomination-sect-cult typography Wallis coined the term “new religious movement” to cover them. He identifies between three different kinds of NRM.

Roy Wallis: The Elementary Forms of New Religious Life (1984) Three type of NRM: 1) World-affirming 2) World-rejecting 3) World-accommodating

World-rejecting new religious movements Troeltsch – characteristics A definite conception of God Ideology is critical of the outside world In order to find salvation, members have to take a sharp break from conventional life. Organisations such as these act as total institutions (Goffman). Limited contact with the outside world is broken for fundraising and spreading the word Many are puritanical Vary massively in size Mainly based around a communal lifestyle

World-accomodating new religious movements Often breakaways from existing mainstream groups such as Pentecostalists They neither accept or reject the world They focus on religious rather than worldly matters Members tend to lead conventional lives

World affirming NRMs Accept the world as they see it Can be successful by following dominant life but by adding a spiritual element Non exclusive EG: Transcendental Meditation – based on Hindu faith – Beatles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9CzJkxKKd0

World affirming NRMs Wallis – most world affirming NRMs are cults. Cults are like sects in that they have religious beliefs that are widely regarded as deviant, but, unlike sects, cults tolerate the existence of other religions. Cults are loosely structured, tolerant, and non-exclusive. They have a rapid turnover in membership.

Cults

Bruce (1995) ‘mysticism’ - a highly individualistic expression, varying with personal experiences and interpretations. A cult is a ‘loosely knit group organized around some common themes and interests but lacking in any sharply defined and exclusive belief system’. Tend to be individualistic Tolerate other beliefs Often no concept of heresy because their beliefs are so vague

Stark and Bainbridge (1985) sees them as novel within a society and that there is an overlap between New Age movements and cults – cults are new religions within a society and are unconnected to existing religions:

Audience cults – least organized and involve little face to face contact – usually through mass media – EG: astrology Client cults – more organized and offer services to its clients – scientology claims to clear repressed memories of painful experiences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PDZt74adg Cult movements – more involvement – single religion only – The Reverend Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church is one example: We will look at the Moonies shortly…

Why might you join a cult?

Why have they grown? Weber (1922) – likely to arise amongst marginalized groups who don’t feel they are receiving what they deserve. A theodicy of disprivilege – an explanation of why they are in this situation and how to escape it. Bryan Wilson (1970) war, natural disaster or economic collapse can create fertile ground for sects and cults to emerge.

Why have they grown? 1960s – targeting of marginalized groups – Nation of Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rurGNvDnBV8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh7L8uRiW-Q

Why have they grown? On the whole, most NRMS are made up of white middle class Americans and Europeans - but Wallis argues that these people are still marginalized in some way.  

Relative deprivation might explain why these white middle class members join these groups because whilst they are not objectively poor, they might feel poor in comparison to other members in society (Stark and Bainbridge and Wallis) Why have they grown?

Why have they grown? Bryan Wilson (1970) sects and cults develop: During periods of rapid social change (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Cv5hZfOmk He gives the example of the Methodist movement which he says was in response to urbanization and industrialization.

Bruce (1995) – Why have they grown? Modernization Secularization Traditional institutions have weakened, so people have sought alternatives. In a more secular world, cults have become more popular - require fewer sacrifices & less commitment than churches & sects.

Why have they grown? Bruce (1995) NRMs offered potential for a more idealistic, spiritual and caring way of life. NRMs have a particular appeal to the young. Many were disillusioned with the failure of counter cultures in the 60s and these people sought a new path for salvation. Bruce – NRMs are a response to the rationalization of western societies. Jobs offer little fulfillment…

Why have they grown? Wallis (1984): Longer period in education – longer childhood – so more young people with more freedom Technology was believed to be the solution to poverty etc Radical political movements were developing in the 60s

THE ‘MOONIES’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCfvGOeBJtw

A dangerous cult? THE MOONIES Read the Daily Mirror article and highlight the key points

THE MOONIES The Unification Church goes by the name "Association of Families for Unification and World Peace," or "Family Federation for World Peace and Unification." However, the Unification Church operates under numerous names and business fronts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TNw2bVkzfQ

THE MOONIES Now add a bit of spiritism, a pinch of numerology, a dab of physics and a dash of anti-communism; mix it all together, using a Korean Messiah, and you have the recipe for one of the newest religious movements sweeping America -- the Unification Church, founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon. James Bjornstad, The Moon Is Not the Son  (Bethany Fellowship, 1976).

THE MOONIES Meet Reverend Moon: The charismatic leader

THE MOONIES “Jesus Christ is trying to follow me, my footsteps, all the way. He stayed in Paradise, because he did not marry. But I gave him marriage. Don’t you want to meet the wives of Buddha, Confucius and Muhammad? They sent letters of gratitude to me from spirit world. They pledge that even if their religion disappears, they will follow me. Can you imagine anyone in this world claiming to have married those past saints? The rings I prepared for their marriage cost a great deal per couple. Did I do that because I am crazy? Did I ask you to donate to cover that?”

THE MOONIES Eileen Barker (1984) – 7 year longitudinal study – study during media moral panic (see headlines such as ‘Moonies have captured my son’ – focus on how and why people joined the Moonies – verstehen – practised both quantitative and qualitative – triangulation or methodological pluralism – participant observation; in depth interviews; questionnaires

THE MOONIES She found that the Moonies were very inefficient at keeping members; they are not brainwashed; most come from happy and secure backgrounds; usually middle class; many join because the religion offers a solution to their needs; like the warm family atmosphere

THE MOONIES Beckford (1985) interviewed 26 ex members, 35 parents and 26 activists in campaigns against cults. Interested in societal reaction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUaF-0z2rKY

New Age Movements

STARTER What is the difference between a church, denomination, sect or cult Why are sects and cults considered deviant? Why might sects and cults be used as evidence of secularisation? What are the three types of cults? What are the three types of NRMs according to Wallis? Why are people turning to NRMs? What did Eileen Barker think of the so called Moonies? What are new age religions? Why are people turning to new age religions specifically?

Why is it different? New Age spirituality is characterized by an individual approach to spiritual practices and philosophies, and the rejection of religious doctrine and dogma. Feminine forms of spirituality, including feminine images of the divine, such as the female Aeon Sophia in Gnosticism, are deprecated by patriarchal religions

Cosmic ordering Crystal healing Earth Changes Earth mysteries Age of Aquarius Akashic records Alternative medicine Ancient astronauts Angels Animism Ascended master Astral projection Astrology Atlantis Cosmic ordering Crystal healing Earth Changes Earth mysteries Ecofeminism Energy Environmentalism Faith healing Feng shui

New Age Movements: 1) Phenomena of the 1980s and 1990s 2) Include elements of traditional religions, but close to cults 3) Broad in terms of types and level of commitment 4) Tend to be m/c and female 5) No formal structure

New Age Movements: Heelas (2008): 2,000 activities 146,000 practitioners in UK Many are audience or client cults Self-spirituality Detraditonalisation

Bruce highlights three themes: 1) New Science: NAMs are in conflict and reject claims of science 2) New Ecology: NAMs see the planet as a living organism, any action has an impact 3) New Psychology: NAMs see the ‘self as sacred’

Millenarian Movements 1) Examples shows how religion may inspire activism and social change 2) Anticipates immediate collective salvation 3) Close connection to Christianity 4) Associate with those in deprived positions 5) Related to apocalypse

Why new age movements?

THE POSTMODERN AGE? John Drane (1999) Postmodern society has lost faith in metanarratives Science has failed to make a better world

THE POSTMODERN AGE? Steve Bruce (1995) We are in the late modern world Individualism is the key aim New age beliefs are often softer beliefs of eastern religions Few demands on followers Pick and mix shopping

THE POSTMODERN AGE? Heelas (1996) Source of identity in fragmented world Consumer culture Social change Decline of organized religion

KEY REVISION QUESTIONS What is the difference between a church, denomination, sect or cult Why are sects and cults considered deviant? Why might sects and cults be used as evidence of secularisation? What are the three types of cults? What are the three types of NRMs according to Wallis? Why are people turning to NRMs? What did Eileen Barker think of the so called Moonies? What are new age religions? Why are people turning to new age religions specifically?

Due Assess the view that cults, sects and New Age movements are fringe organisations that are inevitably short-lived and of little influence in contemporary society. (20 marks)

Due Assess the view that cults, sects and New Age movements are fringe organisations (1) that are inevitably short-lived (2) and of little influence in contemporary society (3). (20 marks)

Are cults, sects and New Age movements are fringe organisations?

Are cults, sects and New Age movements inevitably short-lived?

Are cults, sects and New Age movements of little influence in contemporary society?

Critically examine sociological views of new religious movements in society today. 33 marks