MEGA-CHURCH OR MEGA-SECT
Author
Ferguson, James W
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Ferguson, James W. 2024. MEGA-CHURCH OR MEGA-SECT. Master's thesis, Harvard University Division of Continuing Education.Abstract
This paper examines the modern-era megachurch in the context of its analogies with the Reformation era Catholic Church. And demonstrates that there are similarities, and provides examples, including the ways in which the religious, political, social, and economic power of the megachurch is analogous to that of the Reformation era Catholic Church. It also identifies concerns raised by those similarities including the potential for continued megachurch growth in size and influence to reduce the number of touchpoints politicians must reach, as well as the diversity of concerns politicians must address, to obtain and maintain religious legitimacy.This paper also examines the megachurch through the lens of the Troeltsch and Niebuhr church-sect typologies. And it shows how the megachurch demonstrates many of the behavioral characteristics of the church while also engaging in the tension inducing activities of the sect.
Terms of Use
This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAACitable link to this page
https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37378212
Collections
- DCE Theses and Dissertations [1331]
Contact administrator regarding this item (to report mistakes or request changes)