[1.1] Marxist theories of religion Flashcards
How do Marxists see society?
As divided into two classes, one of which exploits the other.
What kind of society do Marxists see religion as a feature of?
A class-divided society.
In what kind of society is religion not needed?
A classless society.
How does Marx see religion?
A belief system that distorts perceptions of reality in a way that benefits the ruling class.
The class that owns the means of production also controls what else?
The distribution of ideas, such as religion, through the media, church and education system.
How do the ruling class use religion?
To justify their luxury, and to justify the suffering of the poor as inevitable and god-given.
What does religion create in the working class?
A false consciousness.
What is the false consciousness?
A distorted view of the world which prevents the poor from acting to change their situation.
How did Lenin (1924) describe religion?
As spiritual gin, which keeps the masses in line.
In Marx’s view, what is religion the product of?
Alienation.
What is alienation?
Being separated from or losing control over something which you have produced or created.
How does Marx describe religion?
As the opium of the people.
What is the cause of exploitation, and what dulls the pain of exploitation?
The cause is capitalism, religion dulls the pain.
What does religion promise to create an illusory happiness?
The afterlife.
Evaluate Marxist theories of religion in three points.
- Ignores the positive functions of religion.
- The concept of alienation is unscientific (Althusser, 1971).
- Religion does not always successfully control the masses.
