Church-Sect-Cult quiz

According to our class discussion, which of the following statements is not true? Answers: a. Islam started as a cult-like movement led by Mohammad. b. Mormanism, in the context of Salt Lake City, Utah, is very church-like. c. A movement can very easily and clearly be classified as either "church-like" or "cult-like" - and it will always be classified the same way without changing. d. If a religious movement survives after the death of its founder, it is more likely to move toward sect-like. e. Christianity started as a cult-like movement within Judaism.

C

This person was a seminary-trained Baptist minister, a biblical scholar, and the founder of Koinonia Farm near Americus, Georgia.

Clarence Jordan

Any and every religious movement that falls into the category of "cult" is always dangerous and destructive, and usally ends violently.

False

The word "koinonia" is from the _____ language, and it means _____ .

Greek; deep fellowship or community

At one point, Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple had earned the respect of government officials and other leaders because of their work in caring for the poor, disabled persons, and the elderly.

True

Jim Jones and the People's Temple claimed to follow the teachings of Jesus by offering an alternative way of life to American culture in which all races were considered equal, all members took care of each others' physical and health needs, and they shared their resources and possessions

True

Which of the following is not a characteristic of "Cult"? Answers: a. it is highly structured and organized b. it has a clear charismatic leader with a new, direct message from God c. it is very demanding and requires complete loyalty d. it is highly segregated / isolated from surrounding culture e. it is very exclusive and therefore small in size

a. it is highly structured and organized

The close relationships Rev. Jim Jones formed with political leaders while in San Francisco is an example of how the People's Temple appeared to be more ____ -like.

church

The emotional, physical, and sexual abuse experienced by members of the People's Temple as a way for Jim Jones to exercise control over them and demand their total loyalty, is an example of that religious movement becoming increasingly _____ - like.

cult

Which of the following is true regarding a sect? Answers: a. It is fully integrated with and equal to the surrounding culture. b. It is open to everyone, with membership often coming at birth. c. It has a clear, charismatic leader with a new, direct message from God. d. It has some of level of tension with and separation from larger culture, but still a part of the world around it. e. It has no formal structure or heirarchy, and practices a new way to live.

d. It has some of level of tension with and separation from larger culture, but still a part of the world around it.