Marxism and Religion

FAIL acronym

Religion’s functions:

F - False class consciousness

A - A product of alienation

I - Ideological

L - Legitimises class inequality

Marx views

Religion is the opium of the people. Work is alienating/dehumanising. In these conditions, religion is a consolation during the pain of exploitation.

Lenin views

Religion is a spiritual gin. It confuses the Working Class and keeps them in place and from overthrowing capitalism. A ‘fog’ that obscures reality, leading to false class consciousness

Althusser views

Religion is an Ideological State Apparatus. It is a tool used by the RC to pass down capitalist ideology to WC and control them.

Example of Althusser views

The idea that suffering on earth leads to a reward in the afterlife controls the WC

Example 1

The caste system in Hinduism says that your cast (level of societal status/money) is because of your past life. If poor, it is your own (past life’s) fault, legitimising inequalities.

Example 2

The divine right of Kings, belief that a Monarch’s authority comes directly from God, to disobey the King is seen as a challenge to God’s will.

Criticism of Marxist perspective

• Traditional Marxists do not consider how religion can create social change

• Marxism does not consider that religion can perform positive functions

• In a secular society, what role does religion really play today?