Identify and briefly explain three characteristics of sects. (9 marks)
Sects have been defined by Troeltsch as a separate religious organisation, defined by certain characteristics.
For example, a common characteristic of sects is an unofficial structure, without the formal hierarchy of leaders many other religious organisations (such as churches) have. Instead, as sects are often smaller, they are led by a single charismatic leader who unites all the followers within the sect. This can be exemplified by David
Koresh and his sect known as the Branch Davidians, who was the single leader of the sect and controlled the members by preaching he was the reincarnation of David the Lamb from the Bible, therefore giving his leadership position the legitimacy and validity used by other sect leaders.
A second characteristic is the restricted membership sects have compared to other religious organisations; instead of admitting children or those born into the organisation like denominations do, sects require their members to demonstrate a greater commitment to the belief. Therefore, adults only are admitted into sects in order to ensure the uniquely legitimate beliefs and commitments are secure, as the followers have demonstrated they are deeply committed. An example is the Hare Krishna sect, a movement based in
Hinduism and the belief in the Hindu god Krishna. As this sect has behavioural restrictions such as all members required to be vegetarians, they only admit adults as they can demonstrate their overall commitment as well adherence to such rules.
Lastly, as sects beliefs often include proposed salvation with membership, the members are often expected to make a sharp break with conventional life when they join the movement. This often means that sects often act as total institutions which control every aspect of members’ lives, sometimes culminating in members having to live in communes. Within such institutions, members of sects often have to submit to an ascetic lifestyle in order to properly devote themselves to the religious beliefs; for example, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, both offshoots of traditional Christianity, have many rules and restrictions that dictate over their members’ lives. For instance, restrictions in both are placed upon the consumption of alcohol as well as chastity vows being prioritised; these make them adhere to the characteristics of sect as these rules make the members break from conventional lifestyles, and ensure a deeper commitment that is not found in other religious organisations. However, these characteristics and overall definition of sects can be criticised; as sects are so deviant, many do not adhere to the characteristics proposed by sociologists such as Troeltsch. For example, whilst the
Mormons are characterised as a sect by Troeltsch, they do vary from the expected features; according to
Troeltsch, sects are seen as deviant and often critical of the state. However, the Mormons are a sect that is connected to the state, as exemplified by the 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a devout Mormon, who still ran to lead the state despite his membership in the sect. Moreover, this links to a further criticism of the characteristics proposed by Troeltsch as there are differences in the extent to which they can be applied to some cultures compared to others. For example, the definition of both the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses would be a sect within the UK and other European countries as it is seen as an atypical religious organisation; however, in America a country which has always had religious pluralism, the Mormons and Jehovah’s
Witnesses would be categorised more as a denomination or even a church as they deviate from many expected characteristics. For instance, the membership of the Mormons was estimated at 15 million in 2014, surpassing the size expected for a sect and therefore may suggest it is more like a church. Subsequently, the definitions used to define sects, as well as other religious organisations, can be criticised.