24 9 13 denominations

Charles Skoulding

Denominations are often thought of as a

cooled down sect. They are thought of as

being in between a church and a sect. Rather

than being an active protest group, they

seem to be an Institutionalised body Niebuhr

argues that over time, sects become

denominations because a bureaucratic, non-

hierarchical structure becomes necessary

once the charismatic leader dies. Appearing

as an initially deviant sect, they often

become a more accepted denomination.

Denominations are similar to churches in terms of society’s’ values being accepted. Members of a

denomination are expected to be teetotal. This means they cannot drink alcohol.

In some denominations, such as the United Methodist Church, you are disallowed from drinking and

you must have been baptised.

The social class of denominations is traditionally more upper class. This is because there is an aspect

of choice. Recently though, denominations have started to edge more towards upper working and

middle class.

Denominations, although adhering to the rules of the state is not associated with the state. In

society’s eyes, denominations are generally accepted but do not form part of formal structure.

Denominations are often seen as a basis for non-conformist views as they are an offshoot of an

established church.

The organisational structure is both

formal and bureaucratic.

Denominations no longer claim a

monopoly of truth and tend to be

tolerant and open whilst requiring a

fairly low level of commitment.

Some examples of denominations

include Baptists, Methodists and

Pentacostalists.