Sociologists have identified four types of religious groups. Identify, and explain how the four types differ

Question

What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

The four types of religious organizations identified by sociologists are cults, sects, churches, and ecclesia. Cults are new or different religions whose teachings and practices put them at odds with the dominant culture and religion. Sects are larger than a cult, but still fairly small. They are loosely organized and emphasize personal salvation and an emotional expression of one's relationship with God. Both cults and sects stress evangelism or the active recruitment of new members. Churches are highly bureaucratic and the new members usually come from within the church. Worship is more sedate than in cults or sects. Ecclesia is a religion that is so well-integrated into a culture and allied with the government that the religion and the government work together to try and shape the society. Citizenship in the society automatically makes a person the member of the religion.