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Sociology

AQA Sociology A Level - Religious Groups, Sects, and New Movements

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AQA Sociology A Level - Religious Groups, Sects, and New Movements

Maisie Wood

@alevel.revisionnotes

158 Followers

Religious organizations and their classifications in sociology form a complex hierarchy of belief systems and social structures. Churches, denominations, sects, and cults represent distinct forms of religious organization, each with unique characteristics and social implications.

Key points:

Religious organizations are classified into four main types based on structure, membership, and relationship with society
New Religious Movements (NRMs) emerged since the 1960s as an alternative classification system
Roy Wallis's typology categorizes religious movements based on their relationship to the outside world
Each type has distinct characteristics regarding leadership, membership requirements, and longevity

Highlight: The UK census, conducted every 10 years, helps track religious demographics and organizational changes

Definition: Migration refers to the movement of people between countries, which can influence religious organizational patterns

Example: The Roman Catholic Church exemplifies a traditional church structure with its hierarchical organization from Pope to Catholics

11/05/2023

1133

LESSON 22
1. How often is the UK census completed?
10 years
What is migration?
2.
Types of religious organisation
movement of people from on

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Religious Organizations: Structure and Hierarchy

This page focuses on the structural aspects of religious organizations, particularly highlighting the hierarchical nature of churches.

Church Hierarchy Example

The image presents a typical hierarchical structure of a church, specifically resembling that of the Roman Catholic Church:

Pope (at the top)
Cardinals
Archbishops
Bishops
Priests
Catholics (general members at the base)

Highlight: This hierarchical structure is a key characteristic of churches in sociology, distinguishing them from other types of religious organizations.

Importance of Structure in Religious Organizations

The structure of a religious organization plays a crucial role in its classification and functioning. Churches, with their elaborate hierarchies, represent one end of the spectrum, while cults and some sects may have much looser structures.

Example: The Roman Catholic Church's structure, as shown in the image, exemplifies the multi-layered hierarchy typical of established churches.

Comparison with Other Religious Organizations

Denominations: While they may have some hierarchical elements, denominations typically have less elaborate structures compared to churches.
Sects: Often have a flatter structure, centered around a charismatic leader rather than a formal hierarchy.
Cults: Usually have the least formal structure among religious organizations.

Understanding these structural differences is crucial for distinguishing between different types of religious organizations in sociology.

Vocabulary: Hierarchy in religious contexts refers to the system of ranking and organization within a religious body, often determining levels of authority and responsibility.

This structural analysis is particularly relevant for students studying the differences between church and denomination in sociology, as well as understanding the broader spectrum of religious organizations and their characteristics.

View

Sects and Cults: Definitions and Characteristics

This page focuses on the definitions and characteristics of sects and cults, two types of religious organizations that are often smaller and more deviant than churches and denominations.

Sects

Roy Wallis (1976) views sects as deviant groups which see themselves as uniquely legitimate.

Key characteristics of sects:

Tend to break away from the dominant group in society due to disagreement
Some may eventually be accepted as denominations
Those seen as deviant continue to be classified as sects

Definition: A sect in sociology refers to a religious group that has separated from a larger, established religion, often due to disputes over doctrine or practice.

Cults

Bruce (1995) defines cults as "loosely knit groups organized around common themes and interests but lacking any sharply defined and exclusive belief system."

Key characteristics of cults:

More individualistic and less structured than sects
Often centered around specific themes or interests rather than comprehensive belief systems

Vocabulary: Mysticism, often associated with cults, refers to a highly individualistic expression of religious or spiritual beliefs, varying with personal experiences and interpretations.

Comparison of Sects and Cults

While both sects and cults are smaller and often more controversial than churches and denominations, they differ in several ways:

Sects usually have a more defined belief system and organizational structure
Cults tend to be looser in structure and beliefs
Sects often originate from existing religions, while cults may introduce entirely new ideas

Highlight: The distinction between sects and cults is important in sociology, but these terms can be controversial and are sometimes used interchangeably in popular discourse.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for students studying examples of sects in sociology, religious sects in the world, and the broader topic of sects and cults in sociology.

View

New Religious Movements (NRMs) and Their Classification

This page delves into the concept of New Religious Movements (NRMs) and their classification, as proposed by Roy Wallis in 1984.

Introduction to New Religious Movements

Since the 1960s, there has been a rapid growth of cults and sects, making traditional classification systems challenging to apply. Roy Wallis (1984) rejected the typology of Troeltsch for several reasons:

The terms "sect" and "cult" are negatively loaded.
Some religious organizations did not fit into the previous categories (e.g., the Hindu-based Siddha Yoga movement).

Definition: New Religious Movements (NRMs) are a broader classification system for religious groups that have emerged in recent decades, often not fitting traditional categories.

Wallis's Classification of NRMs

Wallis coined the term "New Religious Movements" and divided them into three groups based on their relationship to the outside world:

World accommodating
World affirming
World rejecting

Highlight: This classification system provides a more nuanced approach to understanding modern religious groups, moving beyond the limitations of traditional typologies.

Importance of NRMs in Sociology

The study of NRMs is crucial for understanding contemporary religious landscapes and the evolution of religious organizations. It reflects the dynamic nature of religion in modern society and the need for more flexible classification systems.

Example: The Siddha Yoga movement, mentioned in the text, is an example of a religious organization that doesn't fully fit into traditional categories like sect or cult, necessitating the NRM classification.

This concept of New Religious Movements is particularly relevant for students studying new religious movements in sociology and understanding the reasons for growth of new religious movements in contemporary society.

View

Characteristics of Churches and Denominations

This page provides detailed definitions and characteristics of churches and denominations, two major types of religious organizations in sociology.

Churches

Ernst Troeltsch (1931) defines a church as a large religious organization that individuals are often born into.

Key characteristics of churches:

Attempt to be universal, though substantial minorities may not belong
Usually "stabilize and determine the political order" of society
Often closely related to the state
Likely to be religiously conservative and support the status quo

Definition: A church in sociology refers to a large, established religious organization with close ties to the state and society at large.

Denominations

H.R Niebuhr (1929) and others have defined denominations with the following characteristics:

Often conservative groups which don't claim a monopoly of religious truth (Steve Bruce)
Lack universal appeal
Not as closely linked with the upper classes as churches
Lack identification with the state

Quote: Becker (1950) states, "A denomination is a sect that has 'cooled down' to become an institutionalized body."

Comparison of Churches and Denominations

The key differences between churches and denominations lie in their size, relationship with the state, and claims to religious truth:

Churches are larger and more universal in their appeal
Churches have closer ties to the state and political order
Denominations are more numerous and diverse within a society

Example: In 2005, there were 289,000 attending Methodist churches, 287,600 attending Pentecostal churches, and 254,800 attending Baptist churches in the UK, illustrating the diversity of denominations.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for students studying the difference between church and denomination in sociology and exploring examples of churches and denominations in sociology.

View

Types of Religious Organizations

This page introduces the four main types of religious organizations identified in sociology: churches, sects, denominations, and cults. It also mentions the concept of New Religious Movements (NRMs) as a more recent classification system.

Definition: Religious organizations are structured groups formed around shared religious beliefs and practices.

The UK census, which is conducted every 10 years, provides valuable data on religious affiliations. This information is crucial for understanding the religious landscape and its changes over time.

Vocabulary: Migration refers to the movement of people from one country to another, which can significantly impact religious demographics.

The page also touches on family structures, mentioning concepts like polygamy (multiple wives) and symmetrical families (equal division of responsibilities between partners).

Definition: Fertility rate is defined as the average number of live births a woman has during her lifetime, which can influence religious population growth.

New Religious Movements (NRMs)

Roy Wallis (1984) introduced the concept of New Religious Movements to address the limitations of previous classification systems. He divided NRMs into three categories based on their relationship to the outside world:

World accommodating
World affirming
World rejecting

Highlight: The introduction of NRMs as a classification system reflects the rapid growth of cults and sects since the 1960s and the need for a more inclusive typology.

View

Classifying Religions: Comparative Analysis

This page provides a detailed comparative analysis of the four main types of religious organizations: churches, denominations, sects, and cults. The comparison is structured around five key aspects: structure, membership, lifespan, commitment, and examples.

Churches

Structure: Multi-layered hierarchical structure with professional clergy
Membership: Large, worldwide membership (universal); inclusive, with people often born into these religions
Lifespan: Long lifespans, often centuries or even millennia
Commitment: Minimal demands or restrictions on members; accept the social environment around them
Example: Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain, Church of England in the UK

Denominations

Structure: Often originate as sects but evolve into larger movements; have professional clergy but also rely on volunteers
Membership: Relatively large, can be international, national, or regional; tend to attract those from poorer communities
Lifespan: Varies, with some having long lifespans (e.g., Methodist Church) and others being more recent (e.g., Pentecostalism)
Commitment: Slightly higher level of commitment compared to churches; rely on members for active involvement in causes like conversion
Example: Pentecostalism, which emerged at the start of the 20th century as a different form of Protestant Christianity, focusing on revival and members being 'born again'

Sects

Structure: Revolve around a charismatic leader who claims to have been chosen by a supernatural power; majority do not have professional clergy
Membership: Tend to have small, exclusive memberships which are often difficult to join due to the level of exclusivity
Lifespan: Short lifespan, especially if the leader dies
Commitment: Often demand total dedication from their followers; can evolve into a denomination if they gain wider popularity
Example: Not specifically provided in the text

Cults

Structure: Usually have a loose structure and no professional clergy; often wrongly confused with sects by the media; rarely associated with a supernatural power
Membership: Have small memberships of clientele that buy into a service offered; tend to consist of people who consume the service but rarely meet as a large group
Lifespan: Varies with market demand
Commitment: Rarely demand strong commitments and mainly attract people seeking specific services or experiences
Example: Not specifically provided in the text

Highlight: This comparative analysis is crucial for understanding the 5 types of religious organizations and their distinct characteristics.

Vocabulary: The terms "Sects are Scary" and "Cults are Cool" are mnemonic devices used to remember the general characteristics of these groups, with sects often demanding high commitment and cults being more loosely organized.

This detailed classification provides a clear framework for understanding the differences between various types of religious organizations, which is essential for students studying AQA sociology A-level religious organizations differences.

View

Characteristics of Churches and Denominations

This page delves into the specific characteristics of churches and denominations as types of religious organizations.

Churches

Ernst Troeltsch (1931) defined churches as large religious organizations that individuals are often born into.

Key characteristics of churches include:

Attempts to be universal, though substantial minorities may not belong
Close relationship with the state, often stabilizing and determining the political order
Tendency to be religiously conservative and support the status quo

Example: The Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain or the Church of England in the UK are examples of churches closely linked to the state.

Denominations

Denominations are often described as "cooled down" sects that have become institutionalized bodies (Becker, 1950).

Key characteristics of denominations include:

Conservative groups that don't claim a monopoly on religious truth (Steve Bruce)
Lack of universal appeal
Less closely linked to upper classes compared to churches
Lack of identification with the state

Example: In 2005, there were 289,000 attending Methodists, 287,600 attending Pentecostal, and 254,800 Baptist churches in the UK, illustrating the diverse denominational landscape.

Sects

Roy Wallis (1976) views sects as deviant groups that see themselves as uniquely legitimate. They often break away from dominant religious groups due to disagreements.

Cults

Bruce (1995) defines cults as loosely knit groups organized around common themes and interests, lacking a sharply defined and exclusive belief system.

Vocabulary: Mysticism refers to a highly individualistic expression of religious or spiritual beliefs, varying with personal experiences and interpretations.

View

Classifying Religions: Detailed Comparison

This page provides a comprehensive comparison of the four main types of religious organizations: churches, denominations, sects, and cults. The comparison is structured around five key aspects: structure, membership, lifespan, commitment, and examples.

Churches (as defined by Troeltsch, 1912)

Structure: Multi-layered hierarchical structure with professional clergy
Membership: Large, worldwide membership (universal); inclusive, with people often born into these religions
Lifespan: Long lifespans, often centuries or even millennia
Commitment: Minimal demands or restrictions on members; accept the social environment around them
Example: Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain, Church of England in the UK

Highlight: Churches are often closely linked to the state and play a significant role in shaping the political order of society.

Denominations (as defined by Niebuhr, 1929)

Structure: Often originate as sects but evolve into larger movements; have professional clergy but also rely on volunteers
Membership: Relatively large, can be international, national, or regional; tend to attract those from poorer communities
Lifespan: Varies, with some having long lifespans (e.g., Methodist Church) and others being more recent (e.g., Pentecostalism)
Commitment: Slightly higher level of commitment compared to churches; rely on members for active involvement in causes like conversion
Example: Pentecostalism, which emerged in the early 20th century as a form of Protestant Christianity focusing on revival and being "born again"

Definition: A denomination is a sect that has "cooled down" to become an institutionalized body (Becker, 1950).

Sects

Structure: Revolve around a charismatic leader claiming supernatural selection; majority lack professional clergy
Membership: Small, exclusive memberships often difficult to join due to high exclusivity
Lifespan: Generally short, especially if the leader dies
Commitment: Often demand total dedication from followers; can evolve into denominations if they gain wider popularity
Example: Not specifically provided, but sects are often characterized by their deviation from mainstream religious practices

Vocabulary: Sects are often described as "scary" due to their intense commitment requirements and exclusive nature.

Cults

Structure: Loose structure with no professional clergy; often confused with sects by media; rarely associated with supernatural powers
Membership: Small memberships of clientele buying into a service; members consume the service but rarely meet as a large group
Lifespan: Varies with market demand
Commitment: Rarely demand strong commitments; mainly attract people seeking specific services or experiences
Example: Not specifically provided, but cults are often centered around particular beliefs or practices that may not be part of mainstream religions

Highlight: Cults are sometimes described as "cool" due to their often unconventional and less demanding nature compared to more traditional religious organizations.

This detailed classification provides a clear framework for understanding the differences between various types of religious organizations, which is crucial for AQA Sociology A-level students studying religious organizations and their differences.

View

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Subjects

Sociology

AQA Sociology A Level - Religious Groups, Sects, and New Movements

Maisie Wood

@alevel.revisionnotes

158 Followers

Key points:

Religious organizations are classified into four main types based on structure, membership, and relationship with society
New Religious Movements (NRMs) emerged since the 1960s as an alternative classification system
Roy Wallis's typology categorizes religious movements based on their relationship to the outside world
Each type has distinct characteristics regarding leadership, membership requirements, and longevity

Highlight: The UK census, conducted every 10 years, helps track religious demographics and organizational changes

Definition: Migration refers to the movement of people between countries, which can influence religious organizational patterns

Example: The Roman Catholic Church exemplifies a traditional church structure with its hierarchical organization from Pope to Catholics

11/05/2023

1133

12/13

Sociology

Religious Organizations: Structure and Hierarchy

This page focuses on the structural aspects of religious organizations, particularly highlighting the hierarchical nature of churches.

Church Hierarchy Example

The image presents a typical hierarchical structure of a church, specifically resembling that of the Roman Catholic Church:

Pope (at the top)
Cardinals
Archbishops
Bishops
Priests
Catholics (general members at the base)

Highlight: This hierarchical structure is a key characteristic of churches in sociology, distinguishing them from other types of religious organizations.

Importance of Structure in Religious Organizations

Example: The Roman Catholic Church's structure, as shown in the image, exemplifies the multi-layered hierarchy typical of established churches.

Comparison with Other Religious Organizations

Denominations: While they may have some hierarchical elements, denominations typically have less elaborate structures compared to churches.
Sects: Often have a flatter structure, centered around a charismatic leader rather than a formal hierarchy.
Cults: Usually have the least formal structure among religious organizations.

Understanding these structural differences is crucial for distinguishing between different types of religious organizations in sociology.

Vocabulary: Hierarchy in religious contexts refers to the system of ranking and organization within a religious body, often determining levels of authority and responsibility.

Sects and Cults: Definitions and Characteristics

This page focuses on the definitions and characteristics of sects and cults, two types of religious organizations that are often smaller and more deviant than churches and denominations.

Sects

Roy Wallis (1976) views sects as deviant groups which see themselves as uniquely legitimate.

Key characteristics of sects:

Tend to break away from the dominant group in society due to disagreement
Some may eventually be accepted as denominations
Those seen as deviant continue to be classified as sects

Definition: A sect in sociology refers to a religious group that has separated from a larger, established religion, often due to disputes over doctrine or practice.

Cults

Bruce (1995) defines cults as "loosely knit groups organized around common themes and interests but lacking any sharply defined and exclusive belief system."

Key characteristics of cults:

More individualistic and less structured than sects
Often centered around specific themes or interests rather than comprehensive belief systems

Vocabulary: Mysticism, often associated with cults, refers to a highly individualistic expression of religious or spiritual beliefs, varying with personal experiences and interpretations.

Comparison of Sects and Cults

While both sects and cults are smaller and often more controversial than churches and denominations, they differ in several ways:

Sects usually have a more defined belief system and organizational structure
Cults tend to be looser in structure and beliefs
Sects often originate from existing religions, while cults may introduce entirely new ideas

Highlight: The distinction between sects and cults is important in sociology, but these terms can be controversial and are sometimes used interchangeably in popular discourse.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for students studying examples of sects in sociology, religious sects in the world, and the broader topic of sects and cults in sociology.

New Religious Movements (NRMs) and Their Classification

This page delves into the concept of New Religious Movements (NRMs) and their classification, as proposed by Roy Wallis in 1984.

Introduction to New Religious Movements

The terms "sect" and "cult" are negatively loaded.
Some religious organizations did not fit into the previous categories (e.g., the Hindu-based Siddha Yoga movement).

Definition: New Religious Movements (NRMs) are a broader classification system for religious groups that have emerged in recent decades, often not fitting traditional categories.

Wallis's Classification of NRMs

Wallis coined the term "New Religious Movements" and divided them into three groups based on their relationship to the outside world:

World accommodating
World affirming
World rejecting

Highlight: This classification system provides a more nuanced approach to understanding modern religious groups, moving beyond the limitations of traditional typologies.

Importance of NRMs in Sociology

Example: The Siddha Yoga movement, mentioned in the text, is an example of a religious organization that doesn't fully fit into traditional categories like sect or cult, necessitating the NRM classification.

Characteristics of Churches and Denominations

This page provides detailed definitions and characteristics of churches and denominations, two major types of religious organizations in sociology.

Churches

Ernst Troeltsch (1931) defines a church as a large religious organization that individuals are often born into.

Key characteristics of churches:

Attempt to be universal, though substantial minorities may not belong
Usually "stabilize and determine the political order" of society
Often closely related to the state
Likely to be religiously conservative and support the status quo

Definition: A church in sociology refers to a large, established religious organization with close ties to the state and society at large.

Denominations

H.R Niebuhr (1929) and others have defined denominations with the following characteristics:

Often conservative groups which don't claim a monopoly of religious truth (Steve Bruce)
Lack universal appeal
Not as closely linked with the upper classes as churches
Lack identification with the state

Quote: Becker (1950) states, "A denomination is a sect that has 'cooled down' to become an institutionalized body."

Comparison of Churches and Denominations

The key differences between churches and denominations lie in their size, relationship with the state, and claims to religious truth:

Churches are larger and more universal in their appeal
Churches have closer ties to the state and political order
Denominations are more numerous and diverse within a society

Example: In 2005, there were 289,000 attending Methodist churches, 287,600 attending Pentecostal churches, and 254,800 attending Baptist churches in the UK, illustrating the diversity of denominations.

Types of Religious Organizations

Definition: Religious organizations are structured groups formed around shared religious beliefs and practices.

The UK census, which is conducted every 10 years, provides valuable data on religious affiliations. This information is crucial for understanding the religious landscape and its changes over time.

Vocabulary: Migration refers to the movement of people from one country to another, which can significantly impact religious demographics.

The page also touches on family structures, mentioning concepts like polygamy (multiple wives) and symmetrical families (equal division of responsibilities between partners).

Definition: Fertility rate is defined as the average number of live births a woman has during her lifetime, which can influence religious population growth.

New Religious Movements (NRMs)

World accommodating
World affirming
World rejecting

Highlight: The introduction of NRMs as a classification system reflects the rapid growth of cults and sects since the 1960s and the need for a more inclusive typology.

Classifying Religions: Comparative Analysis

Churches

Structure: Multi-layered hierarchical structure with professional clergy
Membership: Large, worldwide membership (universal); inclusive, with people often born into these religions
Lifespan: Long lifespans, often centuries or even millennia
Commitment: Minimal demands or restrictions on members; accept the social environment around them
Example: Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain, Church of England in the UK

Denominations

Structure: Often originate as sects but evolve into larger movements; have professional clergy but also rely on volunteers
Membership: Relatively large, can be international, national, or regional; tend to attract those from poorer communities
Lifespan: Varies, with some having long lifespans (e.g., Methodist Church) and others being more recent (e.g., Pentecostalism)
Commitment: Slightly higher level of commitment compared to churches; rely on members for active involvement in causes like conversion
Example: Pentecostalism, which emerged at the start of the 20th century as a different form of Protestant Christianity, focusing on revival and members being 'born again'

Sects

Structure: Revolve around a charismatic leader who claims to have been chosen by a supernatural power; majority do not have professional clergy
Membership: Tend to have small, exclusive memberships which are often difficult to join due to the level of exclusivity
Lifespan: Short lifespan, especially if the leader dies
Commitment: Often demand total dedication from their followers; can evolve into a denomination if they gain wider popularity
Example: Not specifically provided in the text

Cults

Structure: Usually have a loose structure and no professional clergy; often wrongly confused with sects by the media; rarely associated with a supernatural power
Membership: Have small memberships of clientele that buy into a service offered; tend to consist of people who consume the service but rarely meet as a large group
Lifespan: Varies with market demand
Commitment: Rarely demand strong commitments and mainly attract people seeking specific services or experiences
Example: Not specifically provided in the text

Highlight: This comparative analysis is crucial for understanding the 5 types of religious organizations and their distinct characteristics.

Vocabulary: The terms "Sects are Scary" and "Cults are Cool" are mnemonic devices used to remember the general characteristics of these groups, with sects often demanding high commitment and cults being more loosely organized.

Characteristics of Churches and Denominations

This page delves into the specific characteristics of churches and denominations as types of religious organizations.

Churches

Ernst Troeltsch (1931) defined churches as large religious organizations that individuals are often born into.

Key characteristics of churches include:

Attempts to be universal, though substantial minorities may not belong
Close relationship with the state, often stabilizing and determining the political order
Tendency to be religiously conservative and support the status quo

Example: The Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain or the Church of England in the UK are examples of churches closely linked to the state.

Denominations

Denominations are often described as "cooled down" sects that have become institutionalized bodies (Becker, 1950).

Key characteristics of denominations include:

Conservative groups that don't claim a monopoly on religious truth (Steve Bruce)
Lack of universal appeal
Less closely linked to upper classes compared to churches
Lack of identification with the state

Example: In 2005, there were 289,000 attending Methodists, 287,600 attending Pentecostal, and 254,800 Baptist churches in the UK, illustrating the diverse denominational landscape.

Sects

Roy Wallis (1976) views sects as deviant groups that see themselves as uniquely legitimate. They often break away from dominant religious groups due to disagreements.

Cults

Bruce (1995) defines cults as loosely knit groups organized around common themes and interests, lacking a sharply defined and exclusive belief system.

Vocabulary: Mysticism refers to a highly individualistic expression of religious or spiritual beliefs, varying with personal experiences and interpretations.

Classifying Religions: Detailed Comparison

Churches (as defined by Troeltsch, 1912)

Structure: Multi-layered hierarchical structure with professional clergy
Membership: Large, worldwide membership (universal); inclusive, with people often born into these religions
Lifespan: Long lifespans, often centuries or even millennia
Commitment: Minimal demands or restrictions on members; accept the social environment around them
Example: Roman Catholic Church in countries like Spain, Church of England in the UK

Highlight: Churches are often closely linked to the state and play a significant role in shaping the political order of society.

Denominations (as defined by Niebuhr, 1929)

Structure: Often originate as sects but evolve into larger movements; have professional clergy but also rely on volunteers
Membership: Relatively large, can be international, national, or regional; tend to attract those from poorer communities
Lifespan: Varies, with some having long lifespans (e.g., Methodist Church) and others being more recent (e.g., Pentecostalism)
Commitment: Slightly higher level of commitment compared to churches; rely on members for active involvement in causes like conversion
Example: Pentecostalism, which emerged in the early 20th century as a form of Protestant Christianity focusing on revival and being "born again"

Definition: A denomination is a sect that has "cooled down" to become an institutionalized body (Becker, 1950).

Sects

Structure: Revolve around a charismatic leader claiming supernatural selection; majority lack professional clergy
Membership: Small, exclusive memberships often difficult to join due to high exclusivity
Lifespan: Generally short, especially if the leader dies
Commitment: Often demand total dedication from followers; can evolve into denominations if they gain wider popularity
Example: Not specifically provided, but sects are often characterized by their deviation from mainstream religious practices

Vocabulary: Sects are often described as "scary" due to their intense commitment requirements and exclusive nature.

Cults

Structure: Loose structure with no professional clergy; often confused with sects by media; rarely associated with supernatural powers
Membership: Small memberships of clientele buying into a service; members consume the service but rarely meet as a large group
Lifespan: Varies with market demand
Commitment: Rarely demand strong commitments; mainly attract people seeking specific services or experiences
Example: Not specifically provided, but cults are often centered around particular beliefs or practices that may not be part of mainstream religions

Highlight: Cults are sometimes described as "cool" due to their often unconventional and less demanding nature compared to more traditional religious organizations.

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Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Download in

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Download in

App Store

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Average app rating

13 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 12 countries

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Students have uploaded notes

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iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user