Marxism and Religion

Question 1

quotes

Answer 1

‘religion is a feature of class-divided society’
‘religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of the heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions, it is the opium of the people’

Question 2

functions of religion

Answer 2

Religion as ideology
Religion as alienation

Question 3

religion as ideology

Answer 3

For Marx, religion functions as an ISA, it spreads bourgeoise ideology that leads to false class consciousness which distorts people’s perception of reality in ways that serve the interest of the ruling class. Religion operates as an ideological weapon used by the ruling class to justify the suffering of the poor as something inevitable and god-given, it masks people from their true conditions of bourgeoise exploitation. It misleads the poor into believing that their suffering is virtuous and that they will be favoured in the atter life. For example, the Christian bible states that ‘the meek shall inherit the earth’ such ideas create FCC that prevents revolution. Lenin describes religion as a spiritual gin given to the masses to confuse them and keep the bourgeoise in place, the idea that god is all-powerful and should not be challenged by Marxists is similar to the authority of the ruling elite

Question 4

religion legitimises class inequality

Answer 4

Religion legitimises the power and privilege of the dominant class by making their position appear to be divinely ordained. It legitimises hierarchy and justifies inequality. Example - the Hindu caste system - a system of social stratification based on ascribed status. One is born into the same caste as one’s parents and marriage between castes is forbidden. The highest caste is the priest then warriors, merchants and servants beneath those four groups are the Dalits - the untouchables. The doctrine of karma teaches that if one behaves well in this world by accepting and observing the rules of the caste, after death they will be reincarnated into a higher caste, this serves to maintain inequality by assuring those at the bottom of the caste system that their obedience will be rewarded.

Question 5

religion as alienation

Answer 5

Alienation involves becoming separated from our human nature which is to produce for the community. Alienation is more extreme under capitalism due to the division of labour, which for workers is dehumanising. In these dehumanising conditions, the exploited turn to religion as a form of consolation. Religion acts as an opiate to dull the pain of exploitation. It creates a sense of detachment and disconnection from one’s true social and economic conditions. Just as opium masks pain rather than treating its cause, religion masks the underlying problem of exploitation. Religion is a distorted view of the world, it can offer no solution to earthly misery. It promotes the afterlife as a reward. This Marx sees religion as a product of alienation but it cannot resolve the issues of capitalism

Question 6

alienation bible verse

Answer 6

Ephesians 6:8 ‘Slaves obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you obey christ’. It is gods will for some people to be enslaved

Question 7

evals

Answer 7

Neo marxists - maduro - Marx ignores the positive functions of religion. Religious action and belief can assist social change - CRM
Althusser - Religion does not alienate people as alienation itself is unscientific there is no such thing as a true self
Religion does not necessarily function effectively as an ideology to control the people. Abercombie et al argue that in pre-capitalist society while Christianity was a major element of ruling class ideology it had only limited impact on the peasantry