SOC250Y1 Lecture : November 23, 2011
Document Summary
Sociology of religion lecture november 23, 2011. Monasticism/nunnery allows ppl seeking a more intense experience while keeping religious traditions appropriate for the masses. Richard bulliet conversion to islam in the medieval period, 1979 introduced idea of an s-shaped curve of conversion: The available convert pool to any religion is sociologically and psychologically diverse, and the socio-historical contexts in which conversions occur are dynamic, changing. Innovators the earliest recruits, who are zealots, enthusiasts, seekers=~2. 5% of pop: early majority mainly those of somewhat higher social standing who are attracted to a. Sects and churches are oriented toward (a) distinctive types of religious intensity or experience, and (b) competing organizational expressions and membership standards. Against an existing religious tradition, new religious movements begin by recruiting from those seeking a higher truth, a more intense experience they are unfulfilled, uninspired by tradition, and so are willing to risk joining/exploring something new.
