RURLSOC 1500 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Snake Handling, Group Marriage, Victor Paul Wierwille
Document Summary
More literal interpretation of a holy book. Newest development in church membership in american society (megachurches). Not neighborhood based, but draws from large watershed (whole metropolitan area and surrounding rural areas). Most integrated churches in us, by race/ethnicity and social class. Churches offering more personal, primary group type services, including many sect and the mega-churches. Churches of new immigrant groups, including muslin, buddhist, and hindu faiths. Has a bad connotation in the media and public opinion. New religious group or movement whose leader/founder is alive. Often, a cult is in opposition to mainstream culture and religions accepted within the mainstream. Think of a cult, sociologically speaking, as a newly emergent religions subculture. Many sects, denominations and even worldwide religion start out as cults. Mormon faith: religious diversity in american society. Us society/culture is distinctive with respect to religious diversity. Many americans shop for a church, like they are at a shopping mall.