Marxism, religion and change

• How do Marxists generally view religion?


  As a conservative ideology that legitimizes class inequalities
• What do Marxists recognize about religious ideas?


  They can have relative autonomy and be partly independent of the economic base
• What is the dual character of religion according to Marxists?


  Religion can be a force for both change and stability
• How does Marx describe religion in relation to human conditions?


  As 'the soul of soulless conditions' and 'the heart of a heartless world'
• Who is Friedrich Engels and what is his view on religion?


  Marx's collaborator who argues that religion can inhibit and also encourage social change
• What does Engels argue about the role of religion in society?


  It can disguise inequality but also challenge the status quo
• What does Ernst Bloch argue about religion?


  It has both positive and negative influences on social change
• What is the 'principle of hope' according to Bloch?


  It represents our dreams of a better life and images of utopia
• How can images of utopia be deceptive according to Marx?


  They can promise rewards in heaven that distract from real-world issues
• What is liberation theology?


  A movement within the Catholic Church that seeks to address social injustices
• How did priests contribute to liberation theology?


  By supporting the poor and opposing violations of human rights
• What is the difference between liberation theology and Pentecostalism?


  Liberation theology focuses on collective action, while Pentecostalism emphasizes individual self-improvement
• What do millenarian movements expect according to Peter Worsley?


  They expect the total transformation of society and the coming of Christ
• What does the term 'hegemony' refer to in Gramsci's theory?


  Ideological domination or leadership of society by the ruling class
• How does Gramsci view the role of religion in maintaining hegemony?


  Religion can be used to gain popular consent for ruling class control
• What does Billings conclude about the role of religion in social movements?


  Religion can play an oppositional role and support social change
• What are the key points regarding the relationship between religion and social change?

  • Marxists view religion as conservative but recognize its potential for change.
  • Liberation theology supports social justice and has inspired clergy.
  • Pentecostalism emphasizes individual improvement over collective action.
  • Millenarian movements have historically influenced anti-colonial movements.
  • Gramsci's concept of hegemony highlights religion's role in maintaining control.
• What is the impact of liberation theology on the Catholic clergy?


  It radicalized them in defense of peasants and workers
• How did liberation theology challenge Marx's view on religion?


  It showed that religion can inspire social change rather than just legitimizing inequality
• What is the significance of the success of liberation theology in relation to capitalism?


  It brought about democracy but did not threaten the stability of capitalism
• What role did the Catholic Church play during the political turmoil in Latin America?


  It often supported the oppressed and took a stand against violations of human rights
• How did the Catholic Church's role change over time in Latin America?


  It became more conservative and distanced itself from liberation theology
• How do liberation theology and Pentecostalism differ in their approach to poverty?


  Liberation theology advocates for collective action, while Pentecostalism promotes individual efforts
• What is the historical context of millenarian movements?


  They are based on the expectation of Christ's return and the establishment of a perfect world
• How did millenarian movements contribute to anti-colonial efforts?


  They united native populations and inspired mass movements against colonial rule
• What is the relationship between religion and class conflict according to Gramsci?


  Religion can be a tool for the ruling class to maintain hegemony but can also inspire counter-hegemonic movements