marxist theories of religion Flashcards
ideology to marxists
a belief system that distorts people’s perception of reality in the interests of the ruling class
what institutions does the class that controls economic production and production and distruvtion of ideas through what?
religion and the media
Marx - how does religion operate as an idealogical weapon?
used by the ruling class to legitimate the suffering of the poor as inevitable and god-given
how does religion mislead the poor?
into believing they will be rewarded in the afterlife
false consciousness
a distorted view of reality that prevents the poor from acting to change their situation
Lenin - religion as ‘spiritual gin’
confuses the working class and keeps them in their place
ruling class use religion to manipulate the masses and keep them from attempting to overthrow capitalism by creating a mystical god that obscures reality
how does religion legitimate the power and privilege of the dominant class?
making their position appear divinely ordained
- disobediance is not only illegal but a sin
how does religion legitimate the power and privilege of the dominant class?
making their position appear divinely ordained
- disobedience is not only illegal but a sin
what else does Marx see religion a product of?
Alienation
alienation - Marx
becoming separated from or losing control over something that one has produced or created
under capitalism why are workers alienated?
they do not own what they produce - have no control over the production process and in the factory based division of labour - endless repeate
in dehumanision how is religion a form of consoloination?
OpiumOfThePeople
who rejects the concept of alienation?
Althusser
why do people reject alienation?
would make the concept an inadequate basis for the theory of religion
