THEORIES OF RELIGION-MARXISM Flashcards
religion reinforces false class consciousness
-Religious teachings persuade people that poverty and wealth are not a man made issue but an act of God-reinforces false class consciousness
-Leaves people unaware they are being oppressed and exploited by the capitalist system
-Religious people then fail to challenge inequalities they face in society because in their view it would be disrespecting God who has chosen their path for them
-Results in inequities still existing in society unchallenged
Example:
Christian hymns and prayers reference to god deicides who is rich and who Is poor
Evaluation:
If religion is declining in society how does it still act as a tool of oppression
Religion encourages people to embrace poverty
-Poverty is a test from god and people who tolerate it are preferred by god.
-Encourages the view that poverty is a desired lifestyle so they embrace it and hope they will please god and be rewarded in the afterlife
-Benefits people in position of power because they know their authority won’t be challenged by people who think poverty is desirable
Examples:
Bible passages in christainty say poverty will be rewarded
Evaluation:
doesn’t consider how gender inequality is also a major issue within religion
Religion is the product of alienation
Alienation:people lack control and have no autonomy over their lives
-Feeling is created through repetitive methods of working in the means of production, people are left feeling worthless,exploited and dehumanised.
-People In this position are likely to turn to religion as a source of comfort
-Describe religion as being the ‘opium of the people’ this means people in desperate situations consume religion in a drug like way,dulling the pain and the harsh reality fo their day to day lives
-Benefits capitalism as these people are unlikely to challenge the unfairness of the situation
Examples:
Nature of jobs has changed so this function may no longer be applicable to modern society
