Neo-Marxist

Question 1

Maduro

Answer 1

Liberation theology - religion has independence from the ruling class
Example - Latin American Roman Clergy wanted to redistribute wealth (acting on behalf of the working class)

Question 2

Bloch

Answer 2

Dual nature of religion
Principle of hope (idea that things could get better) eg. going to heaven

Question 3

Criticisms of Maduro and Bloch

Answer 3

Functionalists like Parsons would argue that religion has a function in the organic analogy of society as a structure - it helps social solidarity, not just the working class