marxists theories of religion

Question 1

what did marx see religion as

Answer 1

-dominant idoelogy which had beliefs of ruling class shaping peoples view of the world
-reinfoce false class consciousness among working class

Question 2

how did religion act as an opium cushioning the pain of explotiation in unequal society

Answer 2

-promises escape from eventful suffering and exploitation
-offers hope of supernatural intervention to solve issues on earth
-provides religious explanation for inequality

Question 3

how did marx believe it legitimised and mainaitianed the power of the ruling class

Answer 3

-mean religious institituitons have links to wealthy elite e.g state
-their teachings e.g on divorce, same sex marriage align w conservative view

Question 4

what did lenin see religion as

Answer 4

-spiritual gin
-confuse working class and keep them in their place
-obscures reality
-prevents them overthrowing ruling class

Question 5

why would u not need rleigion in classless society

Answer 5

-can only have religion in class divided society

Question 6

two ways religion contributes to false CC

Answer 6

1)operates as an ideological wepaon used by ruling class to justify suffering of the poor as ‘God given’
2)misleads the poor to beliebe their suffering will be favoured in after life

Question 7

how does religion dull pain of alienation

Answer 7

-masks the symtpoms
-doesnt treat cause
-promises happiness in afterlife

Question 8

how does hindu caste system support marx theory of religion

Answer 8

-assures those at the bottom of system that thier obedience will be rewarded

Question 9

simialrity between func and marx

Answer 9

-both acknowledge people turn to rleigion when theres difficulties to act as conservative force

Question 10

differences between marx and func

Answer 10

-func= sense of comfort is good- cohesion
-marx= sense of comfort is endoctrinantion and opium = marx= divisive