Theroies Of Religion - Case Studies Flashcards
What is liberation theology?
-This argues that a combination of the teachings of Christ and Marx have helped to bring about social change
-Liberation theology emerged due to deepening rural poverty and the growth of urban slums in South America, America
-There were lots of human rights abuses such as torture and murder carried out by military
-There was a growing commitment among priest to tackle these problems
-During the 1970s Catholic priests actively resisted state terror in South America
For example :
Oscar Romero was the archbishop of San Salvador. He used his religious platform to speak out about the fascist regime in El Salvador during his radio sermons. He use biblical quotes such as “ thou shall not kill” to challenge the murder of dissidents.
Evaluation of liberation theology
Pope John Paul II condemned liberation theology as it resembled Marxism and his instructions were to focused on pastoral activities and praying for the poor. This would suggest that religion remains a conservative force at least among the dominant higher ranks.
However, Port Francis is now making Romeo a saint therefore church may not be more progressive .
What is the civil rights movement?
-bruce argues that black clergy in the US with the backbone of the civil rights movement in the 1960s
-Religion as an ideological resource for the civil rights movement because they provide belief and practices that believers could draw upon motivation and support
-For example Martin Luther King ensured the movement was seen as respectable using Christian and teaching
-He told campaigns to “ turn the other cheek”
-The black churches were able to channel descent towards the racial segregation policies and were a vehicle for mobilising both black and white public opinion in favour of civil rights
Evaluation of the civil rights movement
Although Bruce is a secular ation thesis and doesn’t believe in God he acknowledges that religion can have a positive influence and bring communities together
Transcending politics to obtain the moral higher ground
What is the new Christian right?
-It’s a political and morally conservative protestant fundamentalist movement
-They interpret the Bible literally
-They believe that the US has become more liberal since the 1960s such as divorce is legal as well as abortion in some states
-The new Christian Wright want to change society by returning it to traditional views of family and gender roles
-For example they want to change policies such as fanning abortion and reversing gay marriage
-They use modern methods to spread the word such as ‘televangelism’
Evaluation of the new Christian right
- many Americans now have a practical relative
-They might not agree with things like abortion, but they don’t believe others should be legally barred from accessing them.
What is the Iran Revolution?
-in the 1950s America wanted access to Iran‘s oil and so it’s supported a revolution in Iran where the Shah would be replaced by a pro-western shah that would support the interest of America and give them access to oil
-He attempted to Westernise Iran by banning hijab as well as undermining other religious beliefs.
-In 1976 the shah was overthrown by Revolutionary Islamic group.
-An Islamic state was based on ancient law as laid down by the Quran. Iran became an explicitly exotic republic run by many fundamentalist principles.
-Therefore people in Iran use their faith to bring about this change
Evaluation of the Iran Revolution
From the perspective of liberal ideologist dominant in the West, the Islamic revolution brought about regressive social change as it took around backwards rather than moving it forward to a better future.
What is a Taliban in Afghanistan?
-The Taliban in the 1990s set up possibly the most extreme form of religious regime
-Women were forced to dress head to toe in traditional dress and men were forced to grow a beard
-Harsh punishments such as amputation for theft and beatings for not wearing traditional dress were common
-Girls with a bidding from receiving any education and all women were excluded from employment even widows
Evaluation of the Taliban in Afghanistan
This is social change however it is very regressive and therefore doesn’t progress society in the view of Western culture
