Impact of the state on the evolution of a sect.(Essay)
From: Sociology of Religion
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Date: 9/22/2006
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Author: Lang, Graeme; Lu, Yunfeng
Theories about the sect-to-church transition focus on changes in the social characteristics of members, or changes in the size and prosperity of the organization, to account for the transition. However, the state may also affect the likelihood of a sect-to-church transition. Under conditions of state repression, sects are likely to be more schismatic. State repression can also strengthen sectarianism by preventing the orderly succession of leaders and the emergence of professionalized and ...
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