Theories of Religion as a Radical Force

Question 1

Weber; social action theory

Answer 1

Argues that the religious beliefs of Calvinism helped bring about major social change. Modern capitalism is unique because it is based on the systematic, efficient, rational pursuit of profit for its own sake, rather than for consumption.

Question 2

Marshall; EV of Weber

Answer 2

Argues that this was because of a lack of investment capital and skilled labour, supporting Weber’s point that both economic and cultural factors need to be present for capitalism to emerge.

Question 3

Engels

Answer 3

Argues that although religion inhibits change by disguising inequality, it can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change.

Question 4

Ernst Bloch

Answer 4

Sees religion as having a dual character. He recognises that religion has both a positive and negative influence on social change. He accepts religion often inhibits change but argues it can also inspire protest and rebellion.

Question 5

Otto Maduro; liberation theology

Answer 5

For centuries, the Catholic Church in Latin America had been a very conservative institution encouraging acceptance of poverty and supporting wealthy elites.

Question 6

Casanova

Answer 6

Catholicism in Latin America played an important part in resisting state terror and bringing about democracy

Question 7

Otto Maduro

Answer 7

Believes that religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about change. He sees LT as an example of religiously inspired social change, but other Marxists disagree.

Question 8

Gramsci; religion and hegemony

Answer 8

He uses the term hegemony to refer to the way that the ruling class use ideas such as religion to maintain control.

Question 9

Dwight Billings

Answer 9

Applies Gramsci’s ideas in a case study comparing class struggle in two communities, coalminers and textile workers.
1. Leadership - miners benefitted from leadership of organic intellectuals, textile workers lacked this
2. Organisation - miners were able to use independent churches to hold meetings
3. Support - churches kept miners’ morale high while textiles were met with opposition

Question 10

Bruce

Answer 10

Compares two studies where religion has inspired protest movements in America; the civil right movement and the NCR

Question 11

American Civil Right Movement

Answer 11

Religious organisations supports protests and contributed to change by;
1. Taking the moral high ground - black clergy pointed out the hypocrisy of white clergy who preached ‘love thy neighbour’ but supported racial segregation
2. Channelling dissent - religion provides channels to express political dissent
3. Acting as an honest broker - churches can provide a context for negotiating change because they are often respected by both sides
4. Mobilising public opinion - black churches in the South successfully campaigned for support across the whole of America