Ii- Religious Organizations.pptx

A. Church  - This refers to religious organization which well-

integrated with the larger society. It has well established rules and regulations and expects its leader to be formally trained and ordained. Furthermore, it can be divided into two types.

1. State Church  -It is also known as an ecclesia. It is a type of church

which is formally allied with the state.  E.g -Christianity -Islam -Buddhism

2. Denomination  - It refers to a church that is independent of the state

and recognizes religious pluralism.  E.g -Eastern Orthodox -Anglicanism

B. Sect  It is a religious organization which stands apart the

larger society by rejecting the beliefs of others and stands firm on its own religious convictions. It is less formal than churches and its leaders may not be ordained or rained but is expected to exhibit charisma. Generally, this is formed as a breakaway group from religious organizations.

E.G  A Christian sect is recognized as separating from the core

religion over certain beliefs and practices.  Within the Catholic Church, there are many sects that operate separately but still consider themselves Catholic:  Community of the Lady of All Nations: Founded in 1971, this sect believes that its founder, Marie Paule Giguere, is the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. This differs with the Catholic belief that reincarnation is not possible and that Mary was assumed into heaven.  Palmarian Catholic Church: The Palmarian Catholic Church does not recognize the current papacy as valid and infallible, splitting with the Roman Catholic Church. They have not recognized the authority of the Pope since the death of Pope Paul VI in 1978.

 Islam also has a number of religious sects that deviate

from Islam's traditional teachings. There are two core groups, but each one has several sub-sects as well:  Sunni Islam: Sunni Islam is the largest Muslim sect, and differs from other groups in the matter of the prophet Muhammad's successor.  Shia Islam: Shia Islam believes that Muhammad did appoint a successor, in stark contrast to the Sunnis.

C. Cult  -It is a religious organization that is largely outside a

society’s cultural traditions. Its leaders are highly charismatic who often carry a compelling message about a different way of life. Due to their unconventional traditions and beliefs, its members are often accused of being deviant, evil or crazy, if not brainwashed