Marxisms theory on religion

Question 1

How do marxist see religion?

Answer 1

• Religions were extremely powerful tools used by the ruling class to preserve the patterns of inequality in wealth and power

Question 2

What were the key points made by marx?

Answer 2

• Religion was a conservative force of society
• Part of the superstructure of a capitalist society
• Religion was an ideological state apparatus that functioned to reproduce and maintain legitimate class inequalities

Question 3

What are the two ways that marx says religion is an ideological state apparatus?

Answer 3

1) Promotes the idea that the existing socio-economic hierarchy is natural and god given so unchangeable
2) Religions functions to cushion the effects of oppression

Question 4

What is meany by religion promotingthe idea that the existing socio-economic hierarchy is natural and god given so unchangeable?

Answer 4

This is a reason for religion being an ideological state apparatus and was particularly seen during the pre 17th century when it was belived kings had devine right

Question 5

What is meant by Religions functions to cushion the effects of oppression ?

Answer 5

This is a reason for religion being an ideological state apparatus and it is argued to do thus by lulling the oppressed groups such as w/c into a sate of false class consciousness

Question 6

What is meant by religion is the opium of the people and spiritual gin?

Answer 6

part of the cushion the effects of oppression and describes how marx saw religion as a drug that distorts reality and helps individuals deal with pain

Question 7

How does religion bring about false class consciousness?

Answer 7

1) Suffering is seen as a virtue as those who accept suffering will later be rewarded
2) Religion makes suffering on earth bearable by promising reward in the afterlife
3) Attracts the poor by explaining their inequality in supernatural terms

Question 8

What is meant by alienation?

Answer 8

• Humans invent an alien being God that they believe to be all powerful and have control over them
• In doing this they are giving up their own true humanity by denying themselves the right to make decisions
• So instead of trying to change the world the fatalistic people merely dream of spiritual alternatives rather than economic ones.

Question 9

What support is there for marx?

Answer 9

1) Methodism - Suggests religion played a key role in preventing Britain going into revolution as the methodist church attracted w/c who channeled their discontent into these churches so britain was free from political upheavals
2) COE is very narrow middle class which motivated critics to suggest they had no idea how how the poor live and feel

Question 10

What are the criticisms of marx?

Answer 10

• Ignore gender equality,Feminsits argue religion acts to preserve male/patriarchal power
• Religion seems to have declines in many western societies,suggesting it no is needed to maintain the ruling class
• Narrow in focus as neglects the broader range that religion may have e.g the meaning it has for individuals