neomarxist approach to religion

Question 1

how do neomarxists disagree with marxists?

Answer 1

they argue that religion can have some independence from the interests of the ruling class

Question 2

what does gramsci argue?

Answer 2

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 RC and their ideology and showing alternative ways of organizing societies)

Question 3

gramsci continued

Answer 3

the way that religion can sometimes act as outlet and focus for grievances against and resistance to the powerful, undermining their authority and promoting social change, rather than acting to simply as a conservative force.

for ex, the role of catholic church for supporting the struggle for equal rights for catholics in northern ireland civil rights in the 1960s

Question 4

what does engels propose ?

Answer 4

recognized that religion can play an active role in bringing about revolutionary social change. christianity originated as a way of coping with exploitation among oppressed groups. however, it could be seen as a source of resistance to the oppressors and a force for change. groups that turned to religion as a way of coping with oppression could develop into political movements that sought change on earth rather than salvation on heaven.

Question 5

what does maduro argue?

Answer 5

religion can be revolutionary. catholicism in latin america tended to support the bourgeoisie and the rightwing military dictatorships which represented its interests. catholic church deny the existence of social conflicts - recognised some injustice but suggested that their solution lies with those already have power. but catholic priests have increasingly demonstrated their autonomy from the bourgeoisie by criticizing them and acting against their interests