Critically examine the sociological views of cults in today's society. The growth of sects can be seen as a response to marginality, relative deprivation and social change. Niebuhr describes a sectarian cycle leading to confessionalism, but Wilson identifies established sects as a distinct type of organization. Bruce sees sects and cults as the result of secularization, while Stark and Bainbridge explain them as a response to different types of deprivation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The first attempt to distinguish between different religious organizations was that of Troeltsch, who distinguished between churches and sects. He suggests that churches are large organizations run by a hierarchy of paid professionals and who claim a monopoly on the truth. They also aim to include the whole of society by imposing few demands on them and tend to appeal to the upper classes because they are ideologically conservative. In contrast, cults are small, exclusive groups that tend to be hostile to society as a whole and require a much higher level of commitment. They generally recruit their members from the poor and oppressed and are usually led by a charismatic leader rather than a bureaucratic hierarchy. However, Bruce argues that since the 16th century, sects and cults have flourished as religious diversity became the norm, with churches losing their monopolies and becoming more denominational. Stark and Bainbridge argue that religious organizations evolve through a cycle. In the first stage of schism, there is tension between the needs of the have-nots and those of the privileged members of a church, and so the have-nots separate to form a sect. In the second stage, there is an initial fervor with charismatic leadership and great tension between the beliefs of the sect and society. It is in confessionalism that the “Protestant ethic” and second generation effect causes the initial fervor to disappear. During the fourth stage, establishment, sects become more accepting of the world and tensions within society as a whole decrease, leading to the final stage of further schism, when more zealous or less privileged members separate to form a new sect faithful to the original. message. However, Wilson argues that some sects have survived over several generations, such as the Amish, Mormons, and Pentecostals. Instead of becoming denominations, they become established sects. As mentioned earlier, cults end up recruiting their members from marginal groups, such as the poor and oppressed. Weber argues that cults offer a solution to these groups' feelings of disadvantage by proposing a theodicy of disprivilege, which is a religious explanation and justification for their suffering and disadvantage. This theodicy can explain their suffering as a test of faith while retaining the promise of future rewards for maintaining that faith, such as entry into heaven. Many cults manage to attract members among the marginalized poor. For example, the Nation of Islam was successful in recruiting underprivileged blacks in the United States during the 20th century. However, although this is often the case, many non-religious movements, such as the Moonies, have recruited members from more affluent groups, for example well-educated whites of the lower class.