Religious Organisations (OCR A-Level Sociology): Revision Notes

Religious Organisations

Church:

• Large, worldwide organisations with millions of members
• Inclusive members – people born into the church
• Few demands on members
• Don't agree with wider society laws
• Claims a monopoly of the truth (A monopoly of truth is when one group or person claims that only their view or belief is correct, ignoring or rejecting other opinions or perspectives).
• Clear hierarchal structure
• Mainly attract the middle class as they are ideologically conservative

Denomination: e.g. Pentecostalism

• Appeal to poorer groups in society
• Don't claim a monopoly of the truth
• Limited requirements/expectations of members

Sect: e.g. ISIS, Jehovah's witnesses

• Small, exclusive groups
• Claim a monopoly of truth
• No hierarchy, led by a charismatic leader
• Hostile to wider society and expect a high level of commitment and demand total dedication
• Appeals to marginalised groups e.g. working class and ethnic minorities. sects recruiting from marginalised groups by offering a religious explanation for their situation
• Sects as less patriarchal Sects are short-lived. E.g. the movement loses momentum when the leader dies and children of the sect don't have the same intensity of belief as their parents so the movement dies out with the next generation

Evaluation:

Many sects are successful at socialising children to accept their beliefs

Cult: Scientology

• Small membership
• Highly individualistic, success is based on individual effort
• Don't expect a high level of commitment, people can drop out if they wish
• Don't claim a monopoly of the truth