MEGA-CHURCH OR MEGA-SECT

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.