Sociology / Unit 8 Soc 1337 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Cult, Sect, Denomination, and Ecclesia
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The idea
Sociologists classify religious organizations on a continuum of rising influence: cult (new, small), sect (a breakaway group), denomination (large, mainstream), and ecclesia (an official state religion).
In practice
Christianity moved through all four stages, today existing as denominations in pluralist societies or as ecclesia in state-religion contexts.
Where people slip
"Cult" carries a negative connotation the sociological term does not require; most religions began this way.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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