Running Head: RELIGION AS A GROUP PHENOMENON 1

Religion as a group phenomenon

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Religion as a group phenomenon

This concept considers religion to bring two or more people who have similarities,

interact with one another and collectively share a sense of unity. Members of a particular

religious group would therefore be sharing similar religious beliefs, similar clothes and even

norms. Upon agreement and adherence to the set norms the group then selects a leader for

example priest in Christianity, Rabbi in Judaism, Guru in Sikh, Pandit in Hindu religion

among many others (Christiano, Swatos & Kivisto, 2016). Religious groups usually have the

following characteristics;

They share common goals that originate from commonly shared problems and the

desire to resolve them

They usually agree upon a set of norms that they hope will help them to achieve their

common goals for example proper worship and ritual activity.

Religious groups also put together certain norms which are then coined into roles that

persons within the group are expected to fill and carry out in the interests of the

group; (techniques of prayer or magic)

Members of religious groups have to identify with the group and exhibit some level

of commitment to the group, the purpose of the group and how it purposes to do it.

Religion as a group phenomenon focuses on recruitment and reproduction of

members. In addition to that, it is the responsibility of every religious group to ensure

socialization. They need to train and educate their members especially the young and the new

converts. This forms one of the major tasks of religion. Group religion also works to produce

satisfactory levels of goods and services. Religious groups focus on maintenance of order as
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well. Involves coordinative and supervisory roles without forgetting the motivation of

members to pursue group goals while employing and abiding by group norms (Fenn, 2009).

Religion as a church-sect typology

This concept proposes that churches, ecclesia, denominations and sects form a

continuum with decreasing influence on society. Sects whom usually split away from the

main religious groups tend to be in tension with the society. Cults and new religious

movements are excluded from this continuum and in contrast aforementioned groups often

have a novel teaching. They have been classified in terms of their attitude towards society

and the level of involvement of their adherents. Churches claim universality, exercise

religious monopoly; mostly they have close ties with the state and secular powers,

extensively organized as a hierarchical bureaucratic institution with a complex division of

labor (Fenn, 2009). In addition to the above characteristics, churches usually employ

professional, full time clergy who are able to head the congregation. Primarily churches grow

in terms of members through natural reproduction and the socialization of children into the

ranks. They also accommodate diversity by creating different groups within the church.

Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism denotes the belief of an individual or a group of individuals in the

absolute authority of a sacred religious texts or teachings of a particular religious leader,

prophet or God. Fundamentalists advocates for strict conformity to sacred texts.

Religious socialization occurs in within the immediate family as well as in the broader

social context. Individuals develop religious principles not necessarily out of the influence

of others. The religiosities of parents rarely influence the religious beliefs in children.
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Conflicts associated with religion usually arise from differences in religious beliefs as

well as conflicting norms. When a certain religion considers itself more superior and

undermines others, religious conflicts may emerge. Religious practices that are not acceptable

in the society may also lead to religious conflicts. Religions may compete to justify their

beliefs and in so doing religious conflicts may occur. Conflicting ideologies and

understanding of religious issues have often caused religious conflicts. Religious conflicts

need to be solved amicably to avoid clashes. Conflicting religious ideologies should be done

away with so as to ensure clashes do not erupt from such (Clarke, 2011). Different religions

should co-exist peacefully to avoid causing bridges which may escalate to conflicts.

Out of the above concepts, the most common type is the religion as a group

phenomenon. Most religions in the modern world are composed of those who are unified by a

particular purpose and at least have some similarities. Religions today focus on spreading

their beliefs and creating influence out of that. They focus on membership multiplication as

well as teaching of particular norms that should guide an individuals code of conduct. This

concept relates to religion as a church-sect typology. In both there is a concept of influence

and free will to make decisions. Religion as a group phenomenon values adherence to a set of

beliefs as well as the church-sect typology. Christianity would be an example of group

phenomenon religion. Christians share beliefs for example the existence of a supernatural

being called God. Sinning grieves God and thus Christians are expected to live according to

the commandments of God. Christians also select leaders charged with the responsibility of

leading the Christian congregations. In addition, Christians champion recruitment and

replacement of members to ensure continuity of the congregations.

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References

Christiano, K. J., Swatos, W. H., & Kivisto, P. (2016). Sociology of religion: Contemporary
developments.

Clarke, P. B. (2011). The Oxford handbook of the sociology of religion. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

Fenn, R. K. (2009). Key thinkers in the sociology of religion. London: Continuum.