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Understanding Sociological Change In The Sect-Church

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Words 283
Pages 2
James Raymond
Discussion 13
SOC100-35W
The Sect-Church cycle is the explanation of the relationship between the relatively low tension churches and the relatively high tension sects. This cycle shows that religious bodies generally start as a smaller sect that is divided from a main belief structure, and if it can gain enough following will within itself become transformed into a church. This shows that these sects will shift from a high tension environment to a lower tension environment. The cycle continues as discontent grows within the once sect and now church and is then divided once again into a smaller sect striving to obtain a greater following to become a lower tension environment.
This cycle can help us understand sociological change

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