Social Institutions- Religion
Most religions, such as Christianity, begin as a cult, then transition into a sect and then into an ecclesia. Cults sprout as new religious groups which are considered secretive, hold major control over their members, and are usually led by one charismatic leader (Griffiths 338). Some groups are controversially considered cults, such as the Hare Krishna movement, the Church of Scientology, and the polygamous Mormons. A sect refers to a relatively new and small group. Most famous Christian denominations like the Baptists and Methodists, which started after protesting against their mother church, Anglican, are considered sects (Griffiths 338). Frequently, a sect results from a breakaway from a group, which might cause tension with other members of the society. They often claim to go back to the “fundamentals” or are in protest of a certain doctrine. With more members joining the sect, it might become a denomination. Our assignment writing help is at affordable prices to students of all academic levels and academic disciplines.
On the other hand, a denomination refers to a large, conventional religious organization that is not state-sponsored or official (Griffiths 339). Denominations are among many religions. Some common denominations include the Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, and African Methodist. Lastly, an ecclesia is a religious group to which most society members belong. It is usually official or nationally acknowledged, has a religious monopoly, and is intimately intertwined with secular or state powers. The Church of England, together with the Lutheran Church in Denmark and Sweden, are both considered examples of ecclesia (Google Cites).
Macro-Level Analysis: Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction
Functionalists argue that religion has various roles to play in the society. They claim that religion depends on society to exist or have value and significance (Griffiths 336). Religions offer answers to some spiritual mysteries, generate a place for social control and interaction, and offer emotional comfort. Through religion, individuals can find answers to questions like “Why people suffer” and “How the world was created.” It also brings organization, comfort, and order through shared behavior patterns and familiar symbols. The most significant role is social interaction and group formation, which fosters group integration and cohesion and provides a place where individuals can seek help. Religion also offers social control by reinforcing appropriate behaviors like modes of dressing and controlling sexual behavior.
Conflict theorists argue that religion helps in the maintenance of social inequality. For instance, the Vatican is said to have vast wealth. In contrast, the average Catholic congregants are relatively poor, hence justifying the idea of a “divine right” to wealth among oppressive monarchs. This theory is against the idea of telling believers to be content with their present circumstances by claiming that this is divinely ordained. It promotes increased poverty among the already poor. It also promotes the idea that one’s true reward will be received after death. Further, individuals in power dictate beliefs, rituals, and practices through their subjective interpretation of religious texts or by proclaiming direct communication with the divine (Griffiths 336).
Symbolic interactions look at the interactions and symbols of daily life. Interactionists posit that experiences and beliefs are only sacred as long as individuals consider them to be sacred. For instance, the cross in Christianity is one of the sacred symbols. Interactionists look at what these symbols mean and therefore look at the association between religious leaders and their practitioners and how individuals express their religious values (Griffiths 338).
Works Cited
Google Cites. Types of Religions. https://sites.google.com/site/typesofreligiousgroups/, 2022.
Griffiths, Heather. Introduction to Sociology. Openstax College. 2017.
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Question 
In this chapter, we learn about Religion as a social institution (macro level of analysis). You have two questions to complete for the discussion:
Social Institutions- Religion
One:
Religions organize themselves (page 338 of your e-book), their institutions, practitioners, and structures—in a variety of fashions. For instance, when the Roman Catholic Church emerged, it borrowed many of its organizational principles from the ancient Roman military and turned senators into cardinals, for example. Sociologists use different terms, like ecclesia, denomination, and sect, to define these types of organizations. Scholars are also aware that these definitions are not static. Most religions transition through different organizational phases. For example, Christianity began as a cult, transformed into a sect, and today exists as an ecclesia.
Describe how a religion can develop from a cult and then become a sect, then become a denomination, and then an ecclesia. Give an example of each.
Two:
Please explain Religion as a social institution (macro level of analysis) by three sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interaction from “Theoretical Perspectives on Religion” on pages 312-318 from online textbook chapter 15.