A Formal Model of Church and Sect

The sociology of religion is an area rich in generalizations but poor in theory. Against this background, economic models offer the hope of better theory and more precise predictions. Previous work has failed to deliver on this promise because of its narrow focus on time and money. This paper gives center stage to normative conduct, an entirely different aspect of religious activity. Churches and sects emerge as analytically distinct modes of religious organization rather than ad-hoc categories. The theoretical consequences of a sectarian orientation include strict behavioral standards, definite conversions, resistance to social change, high levels of religious participation, and lower-class and minority appeal.