theories of religion- marxism

Question 1

are marxists for/against religion?

Answer 1

against

Question 2

4 marxist views on religion

Answer 2

religion provides comfort
religion maintains capitalism
religion legitimates hierarchy
(+ paragraph on neo-marxism if 20m)

Question 3

religion provides comfort

Answer 3

proletariat are exploited and feel alienated in the workplace, alienation highest amongst working class, the exploited turn to religion as a compensation
opium of the people- dulls the pain of exploitation, masks the problems rather than treating them, instead promises an afterlife that promises illusionary happiness, distracts from capitalism

Question 4

religion provides comfort ao3

Answer 4

functionalism- malinowski argues religion performs positive functions, helps individuals cope in times of life crisis rather than being a drug controlling the working class

Question 5

religion maintains capitalism

Answer 5

belief system that distorts people’s perception of reality- ideological state apparatus used by bourgeoisie via the media education and the church etc
religion is an ideological weapon used to legitimate proletariats suffering and mislead the poor into believing their suffering is virtuous and will be rewarded in the afterlife
eg it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
false class consciousness/ spiritual gin- religion confuses proletariat to keep them in their place, creates mystical fog so they can’t see what’s actually happening to them and stops revolution

Question 6

religion maintains capitalism ao3

Answer 6

rad fem- religion maintains patriarchy not capitalism

Question 7

religion legitimates the hierarchy

Answer 7

religion legitimates the power&priviledge of dominant class by making their position seem divinely ordained
eg divine right of kings- king chosen by god, is owed total obedience to be able to enter heaven
disobedience is a sinful challenge to gods authority

Question 8

religion legitimates hierarchy ao3

Answer 8

rad fem- gender hierarchy of women being the second sex (de beauvoir), religion is an instrument of domination