Insociology,elite religion is defined as the symbols, rituals and beliefs which are recognized as legitimate by the leadership of that religion.[1] Elite religion is often contrasted withfolk religion, or the religious symbols and beliefs of the masses. Elite religion is then the "official religion" as championed by the leaders of a religion.[2] Some researchers see the concept as potentially applying to a range of internal religious divisions such asorthodoxy versusheterodoxy, between theclergy and thelaity, or between the religion's wealthy adherents and the poor.[3]
Whereas the primary expression of elite religion is in religious ideology, folk religion is primarily expressed inreligious rituals andsymbols. Elite religion's ideology is characterized as internally unified, while the beliefs or ideas that underlie different religious folk rituals may be incompatible with one another.[4] Folk religious practices concerning key rituals, such ascoming of age ceremonies, may become the object of intense elite criticism.[5]
SociologistCharles Liebman theorized that the strengthening of elite religion over members of a particular group led to the growth ofdenominationalism.[2]