1. 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.