marxist theories of religion

Question 1

religion provides comfort to the proletariat

Answer 1

proletariat are exploited and feel alienated in the workplace and turn to religion as a form of consolation. religion acts as an opiate to dull the pain of exploitation and masks the underlying problem. it’s promises of an afterlife create an illusory happiness and distracts from the true cause of unhappiness which is capitalism.

Question 2

religion maintains capitalism

Answer 2

religion operates as an ideological weapon used by the ruling class to legitimate the suffering of the poor as something inevitable and god given. religion misleads the poor into believing their suffering is justified and they will be favoured in the afterlife. such ideas create a false class consciousness

Question 3

religion legitimates the hierarchy

Answer 3

legitimates the power and privilege of the dominant class by making their position appear divinely ordained e.g the divine right of kings was the belief that the king was gods representative on earth and is owed total obedience. which prompted acceptance of the hierarchy.