theories of religion- marxism Flashcards
are marxists for/against religion?
against
4 marxist views on religion
religion provides comfort
religion maintains capitalism
religion legitimates hierarchy
(+ paragraph on neo-marxism if 20m)
religion provides comfort
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
religion provides comfort ao3
functionalism- malinowski argues religion performs positive functions, helps individuals cope in times of life crisis rather than being a drug controlling the working class
religion maintains capitalism
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
religion maintains capitalism ao3
rad fem- religion maintains patriarchy not capitalism
religion legitimates the hierarchy
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
religion legitimates hierarchy ao3
rad fem- gender hierarchy of women being the second sex (de beauvoir), religion is an instrument of domination
