Classification of Religious Groups

Branch

Description: A branch is when something is divided, in this case it is when someone takes a different path in religion

Examples:Baptist World Alliance, World Lutheran Federation, World Methodist Council.

Characteristics: -A group of separate denominations which were once part of a whole

-Very often after having branched out in a religion after some time these people form alliances.

-There are branches called

Denomination

Description: a recognized independent branch of the Christian Church.

-This group of people is officially registered with government bodies.

-Often have their own periodicals and publications.

-Unique and has an organization of the religion of its own.

-Also referred to as religious body.

Examples:

Christian Denominations:

-Eastern Orthodox

-Anglicanism

-And Protestantism (which has many variations).

Cult

A system of great religious respect and devotion towards a particular figure or object.

Sect

Church

-The most popular usage of this term today is “any group that we don’t like”

-The use of this word today is very avoided.

-Useful for classifying faith groups based on their level of social acceptance.

Congregation

Manson Family

Aum Shinrikyo

Raëlism

People who differ from the rest in their religious beliefs

-People who are in a sect are often referred to as people with less social acceptance.

-The size of sects varies a lot there are very big ones and also smaller ones.

-Sects are often classified as denominations

Description:a building used for public worship.

Examples:

-Jehovah's Witness Christians

- Soka Gakkai Buddhists

-Ahmadiyya Muslims

Christian Church

Denominational Church:

-Methodist Church

-The word church isn’t only used to refer to the actual building, sometimes it is used to refer to other religious concepts.

-Many congregations do not have a building to attend to, so they go to people’s homes, etc.

-The term “church” is not to be referred to as only for the Christian religion

Description: A group of people that gets together for religious worship.

Religion

Description: When people believe in a supernatural being/power, a system of faith and worship.

Examples: Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity all these have or share a characteristic of religion.

Examples:

Oakview Presbyterian Church

Mesquite Mother of God parish

Houston 5th Ward

By:

Isabela Maltos

-Your are part of a congregation based on where you live.

-A congregation is the main level of fellowship.

-Most congregations have a leader or set of leaders.

Characteristics:

-Most religions believe in the supernatural, for example a god a spirit, or various gods.

-Religions differentiate between the sacred and the ordinary.

-Religions strongly encourage the practice of it, ritual activities, communions of faith.

"Common Characteristics of Religions." Common Characteristics of Religions. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.

"Adherents.com." Levels of Classification of Faith Groups. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.

Classification of Religious Groups