Neo-Marxism:Religion As A Force For Change Flashcards
What is the dual character of religion according to Bloch?
Could be a conservative force or a ‘principle of hope’ that could inspire the proletariat to revolt in extreme circumstances like extreme exploitation
How does Gramsci agree with Ernest Bloch’s idea that religion could be a principle of hope?
Church maintains RC hegemony, lower level clergymen could inspire community to start change which could override RC ideology
What is counter- hegemony and what could it do?
Why is hegemony never complete?
An alternative set of ideas that oppose the dominant set of beliefs,
hegemony is never complete as there will always be organic intellectuals and a counter hegemony
How does Otto Maduro argue that religion can be a source of change?
Church might be only safe outlet of frustration for the oppressed. Charismatic religious leaders can become a force of change (organic intellectuals) and they are protected from the oppressor because they are sacred and led by conscience
What is an organic intellectual?
Leaders of the counter hegemony that rise above conflict and find common ground
What is a dual consciousness?
When a person holds two contradictory sets of beliefs at the same time e.g. education system, workplace
What would traditional Marxists argue against this view?
Marx/Lenin: spiritual gin, mystical fog ➡️ religion is an ISA to create a false class consciousness
What is Otto Maduro’s Liberation Theology?
Combination of Christian and Marxist teachings that help bring social change
Why did Liberation Theology emerge in South America and why does it prove Gramsci’s theory correct?
Poverty, human rights abuses: radicalised priests who created base communities to educate and raise awareness, actively resisted RC ideology (counter-hegemony)
How can you criticise liberation theology?
The pope criticised and excommunicated the priests involved therefore religion at the top will not create change, it is the lower level clergymen
