Neo-Marxist (NM) perspective of religion

Look at the positives and negatives of religion impacting class

How does Engels argue religion impacts society?

He studied the ‘dual nature’ of religion, which can be an oppressive force, but also a tool to inspire change

• For example, the maintenance and abolishment of slavery depended on religion

How does Bloch, as a Neo-Marxist, argue religion impacts society?

He sees religion as a ‘principle of hope’, as it gives a utopian image of society, since they realise they can improve it

• Religion makes the oppressed more aware of what can change in society.

How does Max Weber argue religion impacts society?

Protestant beliefs have led to unintentional capitalism as individuals believe in predestination. God has already decided whether they’d go to heaven or hell, so this creates ‘salvation anxiety’ and they build a ‘protestant work ethic’.

• They save/invest their money and work hard since it is seen as a virtue, which leads to capitalism developing as businesses thrive with profit of investing. Protestant beliefs justifies these values as God tells them to do this

Therefore, religion creates socioeconomic change.

What does Weber argue about other religions’ compared to Abrahamic religions?

Other religions haven’t influenced capitalism as they’re more spiritual and aren’t connected to the modern world compared to religions with Calvinist beliefs (promotes the rational pursuit of profit and hard work in the material world)

• Examples are Hinduism and Confucianism

What are the critiques to Weber’s theory?

• Traditional Marxists would argue that religion was an excuse for capitalism, not the primary cause as they could’ve been driven by greed and power, influenced by colonisation, which Weber ignores.

• Tawney (Marxist) argues that capitalism didn’t develop in all areas that adopt Calvinist beliefs, e.g; Scotland, proving that it isnt a main factor.