Question

The religious group that Juana belongs to was once primarily a smaller protest group of another larger religious organization, but now it has become institutionalized and no longer functions as a protest group. Sociologists would likely refer to this as a:

A. church.

B. sect.

C. denomination.

D. cult.

Answer 1

Juana's religious group, which has transitioned from a smaller protest movement to an institutionalized group, would be referred to by sociologists as a denomination. This demonstrates the group's growth and decreased tension with larger society.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sociologists have specific terms to categorize religious organizations based on their size, structure, and influence in society. These terms help to understand not just the belief systems but also the nature of their organization within broader society. Sects are typically smaller, newer religious groups that often originate as offshoots of larger religious institutions, usually as a result of a protest or a desire to return to fundamental principles. When a sect grows in membership and becomes more established, it may be referred to as a denomination. Over time, such groups lose their status as protest movements and gain a more stable, institutionalized character, and they are less in tension with society compared to their origins as sects. This transition from a smaller protest group to a more institutionalized religious group would likely lead sociologists to refer to Juana's religious group as a denomination, making C. denomination the correct choice.