marxism, religion and change

• People think that Marxists see religion as an entirely c_____ i____ - a set of r____-c____ ideas- reflects the interests of r___ and p____ people.

• It j_____ i_____, making p_____ people accept their p____ instead of c____ it.

• Normally, Marxists think society’s e____ b____ (who owns r____) s____ e____, including r____.

• However, this is not the case - Marxists recognise that ideas, including religious ideas, can have relative autonomy. - what does this mean?

• In practice, this allows religion to support c___, p_____, or c_____ i____, instead of always keeping the r___ and p_____ in c____.

• As a result, religion can have a d_____ c____ and can sometimes be a force for s_____ (maintaining the e____ s_____ o____ - religion can encourage people to accept their s____ p_____, follow r____, and o____ a____) as well as change

• For example, Marx himself does not see religion in entirely n____ terms, describing it how?

• He sees religion as capable of h_____ a world made i____ by e____, even if the comfort it offers is i_____.

• People think that Marxists see religion as an entirely conservative ideology - a set of ruling-class ideas- reflects the interests of rich and powerful people.

• It justifies inequalities, making poor people accept their position instead of challenging it.

• Normally, Marxists think society’s economic base (who owns resources) shapes everything, including religion.

• However, this is not the case - Marxists recognise that ideas, including religious ideas, can have relative autonomy. Relative autonomy means religious ideas can sometimes act independently of these economic forces.

• In practice, this allows religion to support change, protest, or critique inequality, instead of always keeping the rich and powerful in control.

• As a result, religion can have a dual character and can sometimes be a force for stability (maintaining the existing social order - religion can encourage people to accept their social position, follow rules, and obey authority) as well as change

• For example, Marx himself does not see religion in entirely negative terms, describing it as 'the soul of soulless conditions' and the 'heart of a heartless world'.

• He sees religion as capable of humanising a world made inhuman by exploitation, even if the comfort it offers is illusory.

• The idea that religion has a dual character is taken up by F_____ E____ (1895), Marx's life-long c____.

• Engels argues that although religion i____ change by d____ i____, it can also challenge the s____ q____ and encourage s____ c____.For example, religion sometimes preaches what?

• Also, although s____ clergy usually support the s____ q____, l____ r____ within the church hierarchy have often supported or even inspired and organised popular protest.

• The idea that religion has a dual character is taken up by Friedrich Engels (1895), Marx's life-long collaborator.

• Engels argues that although religion inhibits change by disguising inequality, it can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change.For example, religion sometimes preaches liberation from slavery and misery.

• Also, although senior clergy usually support the status quo, lower ranks within the church hierarchy have often supported or even inspired and organised popular protest.

Ernst Bloch: the principle of hope

• E____ B____ (1959) also sees religion as having a d___ c____.

• He argues both the p____ and n____ influence of religion on s____ c___

• As a Marxist, he argues religion discourages rebellion how?

• But sometimes, religious beliefs encourage protest, how?

• For B___, religion is an expression of the p____ of h____' - our dreams of a b___ l____/u___ (the p____ w____).

• Images of utopia can sometimes deceive people how?

• However, they may also help how?

• Religious beliefs may therefore create a v____ of a b____ w____, which, if combined with e____ p____ o_____ and l____, can bring about s____ c____.

Ernst Bloch: the principle of hope

• Ernst Bloch (1959) also sees religion as having a dual character.

• He argues both the positive and negative influence of religion on social change.

• As a Marxist, he argues religion discourages rebellion by teaching obedience and acceptance of inequality.

• But sometimes, religious beliefs encourage protest, for example by inspiring people to fight for justice, equality, or human rights.

• For Bloch, religion is an expression of the principle of hope' - our dreams of a better life/utopia (the perfect world).

• Images of utopia can sometimes deceive people with promises of rewards in heaven, as Marx himself describes.

• However, they may also help people see what needs to be changed in this world.

• Religious beliefs may therefore create a vision of a better world, which, if combined with effective political organisation and leadership, can bring about social change.

In the next section we examine what some Marxists see as religion's dual character; that is, how religion can either e____ or d____ protest and change.

In the next section we examine what some Marxists see as religion's dual character; that is, how religion can either encourage or discourage protest and change.

Liberation theology

• Liberation theology is a movement that emerged within the C____ C___ in L___ A____ at the end of the 19___, with a strong commitment to the p____ and opposition to the m____ d_____ of the time.

• Liberation theology was a major change of direction for the C_____ C____ in L___ A___.

• For centuries, it had been an extremely c_____ i____, encouraging a f____ a____ of p____ (the Church told the poor to be p____ and f____) and supporting w____ e____ and m____ d____.

Liberation theology

• Liberation theology is a movement that emerged within the Catholic Church in Latin America at the end of the 1960s, with a strong commitment to the poor and opposition to the military dictatorships of the time.

• Liberation theology was a major change of direction for the Catholic Church in Latin America.

• For centuries, it had been an extremely conservative institution, encouraging a fatalistic acceptance of poverty (the Church told the poor to be patient and faithful) and supporting wealthy elites and military dictatorships.

Liberation theology

The factors that led to liberation theology were:

• Deepening r___ p____ and the growth of u___ s____ throughout L___ A____

• Human rights abuses following m_____ t____-o____, such as t___ and d___ s____ m____ p____ o____, for example in A____, B___ and C___.

• The growing commitment among C___ p____ to an ideology that supported the p____ and opposed v____ of h____ r___.

Liberation theology

The factors that led to liberation theology were:

• Deepening rural poverty and the growth of urban slums throughout Latin America

• Human rights abuses following military take-overs, such as torture and death squads murdering political opponents, for example in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

• The growing commitment among Catholic priests to an ideology that supported the poor and opposed violations of human rights.

Liberation theology

• Unlike t____ C____, which supported the s____ q___, liberation theology set out to c____ s____.

• For example, p____ helped the poor to establish s_____ g____, called 'b____ c____', and helped workers and peasants to fight o____ under the protection of the church.

• Priests took the lead in developing l____ programmes, educating the p______ about their situation, raising awareness and m____ s___.

Liberation theology

• Unlike traditional Catholicism, which supported the status quo, liberation theology set out to change society.

• For example, priests helped the poor to establish support groups, called 'base communities', and helped workers and peasants to fight oppression under the protection of the church.

• Priests took the lead in developing literacy programmes, educating the poor about their situation, raising awareness and mobilising support.

Liberation theology

• During the 19___, priests were often the only a____ figures who took the side of the o____ when d____ such as in N_____ used m___ s___ and torture to hold on to p____.

• However, during the 19___ the Church's official attitude changed- why?

• The Liberation theology encouraged priests and church members to do what?

• So the Pope worried this could turn the Church into a p_____ m____ and promote c____ s____, which he felt was d_____ and u__-C____.

• He wanted priests to focus on s____ g____ (p_____ work) rather than p____ a____.

• Since then, the movement has lost i____.

Liberation theology

• During the 1970s, priests were often the only authority figures who took the side of the oppressed when dictatorships such as in Nicaragua used murder squads and torture to hold on to power.

• However, during the 1980s the Church's official attitude changed- Pope John Paul Il condemned liberation theology on the grounds that it resembled Marxism

• The Liberation theology encouraged priests and church members to oppose governments, fight inequality, and sometimes support revolutionary actions.

• So the Pope worried this could turn the Church into a political movement and promote class struggle, which he felt was dangerous and un-Christian.

• He wanted priests to focus on spiritual guidance (pastoral work) rather than political activism.

• Since then, the movement has lost influence.

Liberation theology

• However, as C_____ (1994) emphasises, it played an important part in r____ s____ t_____ and bringing about d____.

• Although Catholicism in L____ A____ has since become more c____, it continues to defend the d_____ and h____ r____ that were achieved in part by liberation theology.

• The success of l_____ t____ has led some n___-M____ to question the view that religion is always a conservative force.

• why is Religion often called conservative?

• But liberation theology shows what about religion?

• For example, M____ (1982) believes that religion can be a r____ f___ that brings about change.

• In the case of liberation theology, religious ideas radicalised the Catholic clergy (what does this mean? ) in defence of p____ and w____, making them see what?

• Similarly, L____ (2005) questions Marx's view that religion always l___ s____ i____.

• Both M____ and L____ see liberation theology as an example of r____ i___ s____ c____ but other Marxists disagree.

• ✘How is liberation theory not an example of religiously inspired social change?

Liberation theology

• However, as Casanova (1994) emphasises, it played an important part in resisting state terror and bringing about democracy.

• Although Catholicism in Latin America has since become more conservative, it continues to defend the democracy and human rights that were achieved in part by liberation theology.

• The success of liberation theology has led some neo-Marxists to question the view that religion is always a conservative force.

• Religion is often called conservative because it can encourage people to accept existing social rules, authority, and inequality, helping the rich and powerful to keep control.

• But liberation theology shows that religion can inspire people to fight injustice, support the oppressed, and push for social change

• For example, Maduro (1982) believes that religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about change.

• In the case of liberation theology, religious ideas radicalised the Catholic clergy (made the Catholic clergy take extreme or bold action to fight injustice, rather than just following the usual rules or staying neutral.) in defence of peasants and workers, making them see that serving the poor was part of their Christian duty.

• Similarly, Löwy (2005) questions Marx's view that religion always legitimates social inequality.

• Both Maduro and Löwy see liberation theology as an example of religiously inspired social change but other Marxists disagree.

• ✘- Much depends on how differently social change is defined. Liberation theology may have helped to bring about democracy but it did not threaten the stability of capitalism.

Liberation theology→The Pentecostal challenge

• In recent years, Pentecostal churches have become more p____ among p___ people in L___ A_____, and this has r___ the influence of l____ t____.

• Pentecostal churches gained many f_____ or i____ in areas where liberation theology used to be s____.

L___ (1996) contrasts the two:

Liberation theology:

• Focuses on c____ a____ — c____ working together to f____ p____ and i____.

• Led by p____ and n____ who are i____ and r____ (jeans and sandals).

• Encourages political change in s____, like c_____ g_____ and i____.

Pentecostalism:

• Focuses on i____ e____ — each person can improve their own life through h___ w____, f____, and d____.

• Led by f____, r____ p____ (suits, ties).

• Change happens mainly in the p____ s____ (personal life, family, church) rather than p_____ p____.

Radical vs Conservative- which one is radical and which one is conservative and why ?

Liberation theology→The Pentecostal challenge

• In recent years, Pentecostal churches have become more popular among poor people in Latin America, and this has reduced the influence of liberation theology.

• Pentecostal churches gained many followers or influence in areas where liberation theology used to be strong.

Lehmann (1996) contrasts the two:

Liberation theology:

• Focuses on collective action — communities working together to fight poverty and injustice.

• Led by priests and nuns who are informal and radical (jeans and sandals).

• Encourages political change in society, like challenging governments and inequality.

Pentecostalism:

• Focuses on individual effort — each person can improve their own life through hard work, faith, and discipline.

• Led by formal, respectable pastors (suits, ties).

• Change happens mainly in the private sphere (personal life, family, church) rather than public politics.

Radical vs Conservative

• Liberation theology = radical → challenges society and the government for collective improvement.

• Pentecostalism = conservative → encourages people to improve themselves personally without challenging society.

Liberation theology→The Pentecostal challenge

Why is Pentecostalism is popular with poor people?

Sociologists are interested in the liberation theology and pentecostalism because it both show how religion can influence social change:

• Liberation theology → e____ collective p____ a____ to challenge i____ (radical change in society).

• Pentecostalism → encourages p_____ r_____ and i____, which changes society more s____ and i_____ (conservative change).

Liberation theology→The Pentecostal challenge

Why Pentecostalism is popular with poor people

• Hope and empowerment – People feel they have control over their future, rather than waiting for political or societal change.

Sociologists are interested in the liberation theology and pentecostalism because it both show how religion can influence social change:

• Liberation theology → encourages collective political action to challenge inequality (radical change in society).

• Pentecostalism → encourages personal responsibility and improvement, which changes society more slowly and indirectly (conservative change).

Millenarian movements

• Because religion raises the hope of what?, it may also create a desire for what?, for example to bring about the k_____ of G____ on e___.

• Millenarian movements are an important example of this desire. explain the term Millenarian movements/ where the name is from

• According to W___ (1968), such movements expect the t___ and i___ t___ of this world by s____ .

  This will create a h____ on e____, a life free from p___, death, S___, c____ and i_____. The transformation will be c____ - the group will be s___, not just i____

Millenarian movements

• Because religion raises the hope of a better world in the afterlife, it may also create a desire to change things here and now, for example to bring about the kingdom of God on earth.

• Millenarian movements are an important example of this desire. Millenarian movements take their name from the word 'millennium', meaning a thousand years. In Christian theology, this refers to the idea that Christ would come into the world for a second time and rule for a thousand years before the Day of Judgment and the end of the world.

• According to Peter Worsley (1968), such movements expect the total and imminent transformation of this world by supernatural means.

  This will create a heaven on earth, a life free from pain, death, Sin, corruption and imperfection. The transformation will be collective - the group will be saved, not just individuals.

Millenarian movements

• The appeal of millenarian movements is largely to the poor - why?

• E_____ c____ led to e____ e____ and c____ and r____ d____, for example through the C____ m____

• At the same time, it shattered the t____ t____ s____ s____ and c___ of the c____ p____.

• Local leaders and local gods lose power and credibility when?

Millenarian movements

• The appeal of millenarian movements is largely to the poor because they promise immediate improvement, and they often arise in colonial situations

• European colonialism led to economic exploitation and cultural and religious domination, for example through the Christian missionaries

• At the same time, it shattered the traditional tribal social structures and cultures of the colonised peoples.

• Local leaders and local gods lose power and credibility when their people are forced to work for colonists who live in luxury.

• The appeal of millenarian movements is largely to the poor because they promise immediate improvement, and they often arise in colonial situations

• European colonialism led to economic exploitation and cultural and religious domination, for example through the Christian missionaries

• At the same time, it shattered the traditional tribal social structures and cultures of the colonised peoples.

• Local leaders and local gods lose power and credibility when their people are forced to work for colonists who live in luxury.

Millenarian movements

• Worsley notes that the movements combined elements of t____ b____ with elements of c____ - such as ideas about a h____ where the s____ of the r____ will be r___, Christ's i____ second coming to e____, the D___ of J___ and p____ of the w___.

• He describes the movements as p___-p___ - they used r___ i___ and i___, but they united i___ p_____ in mass m____ that spanned t___ d___.

• Many of the secular n___ l____ and p___ that were to o____ colonial rule in the 1950s and 1960s developed out of millenarian movements. Similarly, from a

• Marxist perspective, Engels argues that they represent the first awakening of 'what?

• 
  

Millenarian movements

• Worsley notes that the movements combined elements of traditional beliefs with elements of Christianity - such as ideas about a heaven where the suffering of the righteous will be rewarded, Christ's imminent second coming to earth, the Day of Judgment and punishment of the wicked.

• He describes the movements as pre-political - they used religious ideas and images, but they united indigenous populations in mass movements that spanned tribal divisions.

• Many of the secular nationalist leaders and parties that were to overthrow colonial rule in the 1950s and 1960s developed out of millenarian movements. Similarly, from a

• Marxist perspective, Engels argues that they represent the first awakening of 'proletarian self-consciousness'.

• 
  

Gramsci: religion and hegemony

• A____ G____ (1971) is interested in what?

• Gramsci argues that the r____ c____ maintain their control over society through hegemony, - what is this?

• Powerful groups spread i____ that make their r____ seem n___, natural and in everyone’s i____, so people consent to their own d___ instead of needing to be controlled by v____ or c___

• For example, writing in I___ in the 19___ and 19___s, Gramsci notes what 2 institutions/ people

• M____ was a fascist dictator ( what is fascism?) in I____, and at the same time the C____ C____ was a very p_____ and h____ r____ i____ in s____.

Both M____ and the C_____ s_____ i____ e.g

• t___ f____ v___

• o___

• s____ o____

• Because of this i____ and g____ a_____, the Church often supported M____ and, did not strongly c____ his regime.

• As a result, since many I____ deeply t___ the Church, its s____ or s____ made fascism appear more an____ and l____ rather than o____ or u___.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony

• Antonio Gramsci (1971) is interested in how the ruling class maintain their control over society through the use of ideas.

• Gramsci argues that the ruling class maintain their control over society through hegemony, which means ideological domination or leadership rather than just force.

• Powerful groups spread ideas that make their rule seem normal, natural and in everyone’s interests, so people consent to their own domination instead of needing to be controlled by violence or coercion

• For example, writing in Italy in the 1920s and 1930s, Gramsci notes Mussolini and the Catholic church

• Mussolini was a fascist dictator (fascism is a dictatorship where one powerful leader controls society and crushes opposition) in Italy, and at the same time the Catholic Church was a very powerful and highly respected institution in society.

Both Mussolini and the Church shared interests e.g

• traditional family values

• obedience

• social order

• Because of this influence and goal aligning, the Church often supported Mussolini and, did not strongly challenge his regime.

• As a result, since many Italians deeply trusted the Church, its support or silence made fascism appear more acceptable and legitimate rather than oppressive or unjust.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony

• However, hegemony is never g____ : it is always possible for the working class to develop an what?

• Like E___, G___ sees religion as having a d____ c____ and he notes that in some circumstances, it can c____ as well as s____ the r___ class - popular forms of religion can help workers see through the r___-c___ h___ by offering a vision of a b___, f___ world.

• For example Jesus teaches ideas about what?

• These religious messages can make workers question why society is u___ and realise that inequality is not “n___” or “G___-g__.”

• Similarly, some clergy may act as o intellectuals - that is, as e__, o____ and leaders.

• They can help workers s____ the situation they are in and support w_____-c____ o____ such as t____ u____.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony

• However, hegemony is never guaranteed : it is always possible for the working class to develop an alternative vision of how society should be organised - that is, a counter-hegemony.

• Like Engels, Gramsci sees religion as having a dual character and he notes that in some circumstances, it can challenge as well as support the ruling class - popular forms of religion can help workers see through the ruling-class hegemony by offering a vision of a better, fairer world.

• For example Jesus teaches ideas about justice, equality and caring for the poor.

• These religious messages can make workers question why society is unfair and realise that inequality is not “natural” or “God-given.”

• Similarly, some clergy may act as organic intellectuals - that is, as educators, organisers and leaders.

• They can help workers see the situation they are in and support working-class organisations such as trade unions.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• B____ (1990) applies Gramsci's ideas in a case study comparing class struggle in two communities - what werethe 2 communities? - in K____ during the 19___ and 19___s.

• Both were w____-c____ and e____ P____, but the m____ were much more m____, struggling for recognition of their u___ and b___ c____, while the t____ workers accepted the s___ q__.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• Billings (1990) applies Gramsci's ideas in a case study comparing class struggle in two communities - one of coalminers the other of textile workers - in Kentucky during the 1920s and 1930s.

• Both were working-class and evangelical Protestants, but the miners were much more militant, struggling for recognition of their union and better conditions, while the textile workers accepted the status quo.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• Following Gramsci, Billings argues that the differences in levels of militancy can be understood in terms of h____ and the r___ of r___.

Billings identifies three ways in which religion either supported or challenged the employers' hegemony - what are the three ways

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• Following Gramsci, Billings argues that the differences in levels of militancy can be understood in terms of hegemony and the role of religion.

Billings identifies three ways in which religion either supported or challenged the employers' hegemony:

1. Leadership The miners benefited from the leadership of organic intellectuals - many of them lay preachers who were themselves miners and trade union activists. These clergy helped to convert miners to the union cause.Textile workers lacked such leadership.

2. Organisation - The miners were able to use independent churches to hold meetings and organise, whereas the textile workers lacked such spaces.

3. Support - The churches kept miners' morale high with supportive sermons, prayer meetings and group singing. By contrast, textile workers who engaged in union activity met with opposition from local church leaders.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• For the textile workers → religion s____ the employers’ h____

• For the miners → religion c_____ the employers’ h____

• So religion helped miners r____ and f___ b____ against employer control.

• Billings concludes that religion can play 'a p____ o____ role'. His study shows that the same religion can be called upon either to d____ the status quo the s___ to c___ it.

Gramsci: religion and hegemony→Religion and class conflict

• For the textile workers → religion supported the employers’ hegemony

• For the miners → religion challenged the employers’ hegemony

• So religion helped miners resist and fight back against employer control.

• Billings concludes that religion can play 'a prominent oppositional role'. His study shows that the same religion can be called upon either to defend the status quo the struggle to change it.