Types of Religious Organisations (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
The secularisation cycle (Stark and Bainbridge, 1986)
Stark and Bainbridge argue that secularisation isn’t a one-way decline but a cycle:
Established religions lose plausibility, new movements innovate, some revive and routinise, and then decline again as contexts change
This cycle explains why churches, denominations, sects, and cults keep reappearing in society, even when traditional religion seems to be in decline
Secularisation – dominant religions lose credibility as society changes and rival ideologies or worldviews become more influential
Innovation – new religious movements (NRMs) such as sects and cults appear, offering fresh answers to people’s spiritual needs and filling the gap left by declining religions
Religious revival – some of these new groups grow, becoming mainstream organisations that dominate society and provide a sense of community
Religious decline – previously dominant religious organisations lose their relevance as their beliefs are challenged and criticised. Followers feel alienated and drift away, while rival ideologies offer alternative explanations that seem more relevant to everyday life
Churches & denominations
There are four main types of religious organisations:
churches
denominations
sects
cults
They differ mainly in how they are structured and organised, rather than in their beliefs
Churches | Denominations | |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Large religious organisations, often closely aligned with the state, claiming a monopoly of truth and aiming to include all of society (Troeltsch, 1912). | Established, mainstream religious groups that are smaller than churches but larger than sects; they do not claim universality or monopoly of truth (Niebuhr, 1929). |
Structure | Large, bureaucratic, hierarchical, and professional clergy. | Less hierarchical than churches, still with professional clergy. |
Membership | Claim universality; often attracts the whole of society (e.g., the Catholic Church). | Open and inclusive but without claiming universality. |
Lifespan | Long-lasting; often centuries old. | Long-lasting, but not as dominant as churches. |
Commitment | Inclusive – no strict demands on members. | Moderate – some restrictions, but less demanding than sects. |
Relationship with society | Conservative and supportive of dominant values, often tied to state power. | Accept the norms and values of wider society. |
Examples | Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England (Anglican Church). | Methodists, Baptists, and the Pentecostal Church. |
Sects & cults
According to Stark and Bainbridge (1986), sects often form through schisms (splits in existing churches), usually because of disagreements about doctrine
Sects | Cults | |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Small, exclusive religious groups that often emerge in opposition to mainstream churches, usually led by a charismatic leader, and claim a monopoly of truth (Niebuhr, 1929). | Loosely organised, individualistic religious movements without a strong commitment from members, often focused on self-improvement or spirituality (Stark & Bainbridge, 1986). |
Structure | Small and close-knit, often with charismatic leadership. | Loose and informal, with little hierarchy. |
Membership | Exclusive, requiring conversion or recruitment. | Open and tolerant, people can dip in and out. |
Lifespan | Often short-lived, but they may develop into a denomination if they survive. | Varies: often short-lived, but some grow into larger movements. |
Commitment | High: strict rules and strong dedication are expected. | Low: little demand or obligation placed on members. |
Type of benefits offered | Otherworldly benefits (e.g., salvation, heaven) for those suffering from deprivation. | This-worldly benefits (e.g., healing, self-improvement) for those suffering from deprivation. |
Relationship with society | Reject mainstream society and its values. | Accept mainstream values; focus on personal fulfilment rather than rejection of society. |
Examples | Jehovah’s Witnesses, Moonies, Branch Davidians, and Daesh (ISIS). | Scientology, Transcendental Meditation, New Age movements. |
Types of cults (Stark and Bainbridge, 1986)
Audience cults – usually spread ideas via media to a large audience and therefore do not require formal membership
E.g., astrology, tarot, alien belief communities
Client cults – involve a personal connection between the leader and the followers
E.g., alternative therapies, clairvoyance
Cultic movements – these may require higher commitment from clients, and they aim to transform members' lives
E.g., Scientology, doomsday cults
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Be ready to analyse differences in the characteristics of religious organisations, rather than just describing them.
Compare features such as size, structure, level of commitment, relationship with wider society, and attitudes to religious truth. Support each point with relevant sociological concepts and examples.
Remember, though, that some groups don’t fit neatly into one category. E.g., Scientology can be seen as a cultic movement but also shows sect-like features, such as demanding strong commitment and offering members both this-worldly and other-worldly benefits.
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