Final answer:
The term 'ekklesia' has evolved from meaning a political assembly in ancient Greece to referring to a religious congregation and is connected to the modern concept of a 'church'. A church can refer to the physical building, the body of believers, or a specific denomination. 'Ekklesia' indicates a nationally recognized religious body that is allied with the state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek word ekklesia originally referred to a political assembly in ancient Athens but has undergone a transformation in meaning over time and now refers to a congregation, typically in a religious context. This term can be directly connected to the concept of "church" in modern times, where it describes a gathering of believers. In the context of sociology, "ekklesia" refers to a type of religious organization that is recognized nationally, holds a religious monopoly, and is closely allied with state and secular powers. An example of an ecclesia is the Church of England, which is an official state church.
The term 'church' can be used in three main senses:
- As a physical building where religious services are held.
- Referring to the body of believers or the congregational community.
- Representing a particular Christian denomination or tradition.
When discussing religious organizations, sociologists categorize them in terms of their influence on society, with ecclesia at the most influential end of the spectrum, followed by denomination, sects, and cults. Therefore, the relationship between 'ekklesia' and 'church' can be seen in how organized religion has been ingrained within society and how it has often worked in tandem with the state.