marxist approach to religion

Question 1

what do Marxists argue about religion and society?

Answer 1

religion is a feature of only a class-divided society, in a classless society religion would disappear

Question 2

what are 2 functions of religion according to marx?

Answer 2

religion as the ‘opium of the people’ (alienation)
marx argues religion acts like a hallucinatory, pain relieving drug creating illusions among the oppressed which helped them to accept their position and thereby maintained the power of the dominant class
religion eased the pain produced by poverty, exploitation and oppression in unequal class societies, and helped to overcome effects of alienation (lack of control, fulfilment and satisfaction) of individuals in capitalist society by providing some control purpose and meaning in their lives

Question 3

religion and the power of the ruling class

Answer 3

religion as an instrument of social control and oppression used by ruling class to legitimise their power and material wealth
inequalities wealth, power and income are presented as god - given and therefore legitimised and inevitable
the inequalities between rich and poor can’t be challenged or changed without questioning the authority of religion or god itself
many religions organisations are conservative - extremely wealthy and politically powerful - close links with the state

Question 4

how does religion dull the pain? life after death

Answer 4

promises of eternal bliss in ‘life after death’ e.g. Christianity promises ‘salvation from bondage and misery’ in heaven. life on earth is more bearable, looking forward to heaven

Question 5

how does religion dull the pain? compensation for suffering

Answer 5

if you deal with poverty with dignity and humility = reward for your virtue
religion makes poverty more tolerable by offering reward and promising compensation

Question 6

how does religion dull the pain? supernatural intervention

Answer 6

hope of supernatural intervention to solve problems on earth e.g. jehovah’s witnesses - supernatural powers will descend and create heaven on earth

Question 7

how does religion dull the pain? justifying social order

Answer 7

god creates and ordains social structure
social arrangements appear inevitable
those at the bottom = accept / come to terms with their situation

Question 8

evidence against marx

Answer 8

• the church doesn’t always support the ruling class e.g. 1980s poland the catholic church opposed the state and helped bring the downfall of the communist regime