Marxist Theories of Religion Flashcards
What 3 theories come under Marxism and religion?
- reinforces false-class consciousness
- encourages people to embrace poverty
- product of alienation
According to Marx, how does religion reinforce false-class conciousness?
Marx pointed out that many religions seek to persuade people that poverty and inequality are not a man made issue, infact the workings of god. This reifnorces FCC; it leaves people unaware of their exploitation. Challenging the status quo would be infact challenging god therefore capitalism goes unfaced.
What examples can be used to show that religion reinforces false-class conciousness?
Christianity = prayers and hymns give note to God deciding who is rich and poor. Hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful”.
In the past, European Kings claimed that their powerful position was a working of God
Evaluation of the claim that religion reinforces false-class consciousness?
- secularisation
- God isn’t responsible for poverty
- people don’t live in a state of false-class consciousness
According to Marx, how does religion actively encourage people to embrace poverty?
Religious teachings promote the view that poverty is a test from God, and that people that tolerate it are preferred by God. This makes poverty desirable. Keeps powerful powerful as they know that their authority won’t be challenged. Status quo remains
What examples can be used to back up the fact religion promotes poverty?
Some bible passages note that poverty will be rewarded in heaven. Matthew “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven”
Evaluation of the claim that religion promotes poverty?
- some religious teachings aim to lift people out of poverty
- if religion promotes false-class conciousness, then surely why would they know they are in poverty.
According to Marx, how is religion a product of alienation?
In a capitalist society, working people feel alienation (no control). People therefore turn to religion as a source of comfort or as a means of helping them to feel justified in their dire lives. Marx described religion as being the opium of the people; people consume religion in a drug like way to distract them from the harsh reality of their day to day lives. This benefits capitalism as people who are distorted by capitalism are less likely to challenge the system.
What examples can be used to back up the point that religion is the product of alienation?
Strong correlation between poverty rates and religiosity. In Missisipi, have the highest rate of poverty but also the largest following of Christianity. In Africa, 49% of ppl practice Christianity and 42% Islam
Evaluation of the claim that religion is a product of alienation?
- secularisation
- isn’t just poverty as to why people follow religion
- communism exploits people way more than capitalism
