Neo Marxists Flashcards
1
Q
GRAMSCI
A
- Saw religion could sometimes be a focus for a counter- hegemony, a set of ideas providing a basis for challenges by the poor to the power of the ruling class and the ruling class ideology, showing alternative ways of organising societies
- the way that religion can sometimes act as an outlet and focus for grievances against and resistance to the powerful, undermining their authority and promoting social change, rather than acting simply as a conservative force:
- liberation theology
- some early Christian sects became a focus for resistance and opposition to Roman rule
2
Q
ENGLES
A
- Recognised that religion can play an active role in bringing about revolutionary social change
- he compared some of the early Christian sects that opposed Roman rule to communist and socialist political movements
- he argued that Christianity emerged as a way of coping with exploitation among oppressed groups- source of resistance to the oppressors and a force for change
- groups which turned to religion as a way of coping with oppression could develop into political movements that sought to change on earth rather than salvation in heaven
- sees religion as a potential radical force
3
Q
MADURO
A
- Accepted many aspects of Marx’s analysis, but denied that religion is always a conservative force, claims it can be revolutionary
- claims that until recently, Catholicism in Latin America tended to support the bourgeoise and the right wing military dictatorship- recognised some injustices, such as poverty, but suggested that their solution lies with those who already have the power
- Catholic priests have demonstrated their autonomy from the bourgeoise by criticising them and acting against their interests
- Maduro believes that members of the clergy can develop revolutionary potential where the oppressed members have no other outlets
- theological disagreements within a church can provide interpretations of a religion that are critical to the rich and powerful- development of liberation theology
