Classical/Trad Marxist

Religion as a conservative force

what are the overall viewpoints of classical Marxism

religion is part of the dominant ideology

religion as an instrument of social control and oppression used by the ruling class to legitimize their power and material wealth.

what is Marx argument in religion as an ideology

religion operates as an ideological weapon used by the ruling class to legitimate suffering of the poor and disguise it as something inevitable and God-given

what does religion do to the poor? (negatively)

religion misleads the poor into thinking that their suffering is virtuous

finish this sentence off (A02)

‘it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a…’

‘… a needle than a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven’

what does false consciousness do?

maintains inequality by creating a distorted view of reality and prevents rebellion against the bourgeoisie,

LENIN- Spiritual Gin

describes religion as a spiritual gin, an intoxicant that is doled out to the masses by the ruling class designed to confuse the working class and keeping them at bay from rebelling

What does MARX mean religion as the ‘opium of the people’?

1. promises the escape from suffering and oppression in the afterlife

2. offers hope of supernatural intervention to solve problems on earth

3. provides explanations and justification for inequality

Counter argument for religion as an ‘opium’:

Religion can only act as an opium if people believe in it and that it has some institutional power

Britain and western socities

Divine Rights of Kings

hierarchy which shows the king and the rich in high positions, which means that their position and power is God-given and justified

counter argument for religious hierarchies justifying inequality

Liberation theology - help fight against political dictatorship and poverty in south America

what is the liberation theology an ex. of (gramsci)

counter hegemony

what does religion do for the poor? (positively)

helps them cope by giving them a promise of the afterlife