Marxism, Religion And Change

Question 1

(Bloch) how does religion have a dual character?

Answer 1

Can often inhibit change but it can also inspire protest/ rebellion.

It does this because descriptions of utopias may help people to see what needs to be changed

Question 2

What is liberation theology?

Answer 2

Emerged in Catholic church in Latin America with a commitment to the poor and opposition to military dicatorships

Question 3

Factors leading to liberation theology

Answer 3

Deepening rural poverty and growth of urban slums

Human rights abuses following military takeovers e.g. murdering political opponents in Brazil

Question 4

Impact of liberation theology on neo marxist Maduro’s arguement?

Answer 4

He now argues religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about social change

Question 5

Lehmann: the pentecostal challenge

Answer 5

Pentecostalism is competition for liberation theology

Pentecostalism’s solution to poverty is conservative, self improvement through the private sphere but liberation theology calls for political action

Question 6

What does Gramsci argue about religion and hegemony?

Answer 6

Religion is necessary for hegemony to be achieved but clergy may act as organic intellectuals, encouraging the WC do develop a class consciousness through trade unions

Question 7

Billings study of class struggle in 2 evangelical communities
(Religion can be a conservative force and a force for social change)

Answer 7

LEADERSHIP
Miners benefitted from leadership of organic intellectuals as many were preachers. Textile workers did not have this

ORGANISATION
Miners able to use independent churches to hold meetings but textile workers were unable to do this

SUPPORT
Churches kept the miners’ morale high with services that supported them vs textile workers who were met with opposition by local churches