Forms of Religious Groups and Their Characteristics (Research Paper Sample)

Forms Of Religious Groups and Characteristics
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Forms Of Religious Groups and Characteristics
The different forms of religious groups in the typology outlined by the classic sociologists are cults, denominations, sects, and the church universal. These religious groups have fundamental characteristics that define them as cult, denomination, sect, or church universal. Classic sociologists of religion have defined a "cult" as a religious group that strongly emphasizes the making or production of goods or services and that focuses its practices on achieving salvation through the cultivation of their charismatic leader. Cults are also known for their emphasis on the community and their efforts to proselytize the belief among those who enter their system of beliefs. They practice free love, with special regard towards multiple sexual partners, and encourage children to be raised by them. There is no public accounting of money spent by cults. Cultures are often known to be controversial in American society due to their outlandish practices (Bromley, 2016). The leader or founder of the cult is said to be godlike and to have all knowledge on behalf of their followers, and the followers are expected to operate under the guidance of the leaders. They often seek notoriety to gain members. Examples of a cult include The Branch Davidians and the Solar Temple.
A denomination is a religious group distinguished by common doctrines, creed, practices, and culture. Their doctrine tends to be