marxists view on religion

what did marxists say about religion

they believe religion reproduces class inequality as the rich makes the lower class believe that their position is fair because God put them in that position

what did Marx identify religion as?

he said that it creates a false consciousness that acts as an opiate which distracts individuals from the alienation they experience in reality. This ideology legitimates working class exploitation and inequality 

what does religion as an ideology mean?

where the ruling class use religion to oppress the working class initially making the poor believe the system is fair- a copying mechanism to treat problems and give out hope

what does religion as alienation mean?

it is used by the working class to cushion the effects of the oppression initially making the poor feel better- the afterlife creates the idea that peoples suffering on earth will be rewarded

what did Lenin say about religion as an ideology?

he said religion was an intoxicant doled out to the masses to keep them in place and keep them in their place- it legitimates the power of the dominant class by making their position divinely ordained 

eg: respect your leaders~The Bible

what did Marx say about religion as alienation?

he said that religion is like a drug that soothes the pain of exploitation and creates an illusive reality

what is said for religion and compensation as religion as alienation?

Christianity offers the promise of salvation from bondage in the afterlife- an illusory happiness that distracts the true source of alienation, capitalism

what is said about virtue and suffering in religion as alienation?

religions emphasise the idea that life can be full of suffering, being poor with dignity will be compensated for in heaven 

how does religion dull the pain?

life after death- the promise of eternal bliss in ‘life after death’ christianity promises salvation from bondage and misery

compensation for suffering- if you deal with poverty with dignity and humanity= reward for your virtue religion makes poverty more tolerable by offering reward

justifying social order- God creates and ordains social structure, social arrangements appear inevitable. those at the bottom come to terms with their situation

supernatural- hope of supernatural intervention to solve problems on earth

what are the criticisms of the marxist view on religion?

it fails to account for the positive views of religion and how it can provide a sense of community and purpose as well as peace among many individuals

it blames religion for the reason capitalism is thriving

how was religion used during slavery?

it was used to control slaves and the slave masters converted african slaves to european religions, they also created a ‘slave bible’ in order to mislead the oppressed and have them obey without thinking to rebel 

how does the use of religion during slavery support the marxist view on religion?

it shows how the ruling classes used religion to control the belief of slaves by giving them a false consciousness and wrong ideology

how was religion used in the hindu caste system?

hinduism justifies social inequality through the hindu caste system which is a system of social stratification based on ascribed status - this system ensured that the ruling class monitored their power as no movement was permitted between the castes

how does the hindu caste system support the marxist view of religon ?

the doctrine of karma teaches that if you behave well in this world by accepting and obserbing rules of caste after death, you will be reincarnated into a higher caste. this is an example of alienation as it makes you believe that behaving well and following orders will help you to reincarnate into something better

what is the new right christian religion?

it is very religious christians in the united states with highly conservative and pro capitalist views such as donald trump. many of these christians view trump as their saviour as he emphasises on the concept of “make america great again” and uses christianity to gain supporters despite not being highly religious himself. made his own bible

how does the new right christian religion support the marxist view on religion?

the new christian right promotes social hierarchy and capitalist views as well as promoting the false consciousness concept as it gives hope that the country will be great again by God’s choosing of presidential influence

what is evangelical Christianity in Latin America.

the new christian right have encouraged the spread of religious christian beliefs in catholic latin america predominantly amongst the poor areas. it provides religious discipline and hope of salvation in the afterlife 

how does evangelical christianity in latin america support the marxist views on religion?

Marxists would say this is an example of alienation