Freud & Marx (Religious Experience) Flashcards
What does Freud say religious behaviour is?
Neurosis caused by childhood insecurities
What does Freud say religious experiences are?
Hallucinations that have simple psychological explanations, perhaps a product of our subconscious and are caused by the desire for meaning
How does Freud interpret St. Paul’s experience?
A self-induced illusion, brought about by suppressed desires in his unconscious
What does Freud believe about religious experience?
It is the expression of a deeper human problem which needs to be cured
Who was Marx?
A German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist and more
What did Marx say about religion?
‘Religion is the opium of the masses’
What did Marx see religion as?
A suppressant; a way to numb and control people, providing solace and holding back social change
What did Marx say about religion and the poor?
Religion’s purpose was to create illusory fantasies for the poor – it distracts people from the powerful elite
What did Marx say about religion and the economy?
Economic realities prevent people from finding true happiness in life, so religion tells them that this is okay because they will find true happiness in the next life
What did Marx quote about religion and the poor, in regards to the economy?
‘The poorer he becomes himself in his inner life…the less he can call his own. It is just the same in religion. The more man puts into God, the less he retains in himself’
