Marxist view on religon

• How does Marx define ideology?


  As a belief system that distorts people's perception of reality to serve the ruling class.
• What role does class play in Marx's view of ideology?


  Class controls economic production and the production and distribution of ideas in society.
• Which institutions does Marx believe control the production of ideas?


  The church, the education system, and the media.
• How does Marx view the function of religion for the ruling class?


  As an ideological weapon to legitimate the suffering of the poor.
• What does Marx mean by "false consciousness"?


  A distorted view of reality that prevents the poor from acting to change their situation.
• What example does Marx use to illustrate the difficulty for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven?


  It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.
• How does Lenin describe religion?


  As spiritual gin, an intoxicant used by the ruling class to confuse the masses.
• What is the purpose of religion according to Lenin?


  To manipulate the masses and prevent them from overthrowing the ruling class.
• How does religion legitimize the power of the dominant class?


  By making their position appear divinely ordained.
• What was the 16th-century idea related to the divine right of kings?


  The belief that the king is God's representative on earth and is owed total obedience.
• What does Marx say about alienation in relation to religion?


  Religion is a product of alienation, arising from suffering and acting as consolation for it.
• How does Marx describe the conditions of workers under capitalism?


  Workers are alienated because they do not own what they produce.
• What happens to alienation under capitalism according to Marx?


  It becomes more extreme compared to other class societies.
• How does the division of labor in capitalist factories affect workers?


  Workers endlessly repeat the same minute task, devoid of meaning and skill.
• What does Marx mean when he says religion is "the opium of the people"?


  Religion dulls the pain of exploitation but does not address its causes.
• What is the effect of promises of the afterlife according to Marx?


  They create an illusory happiness that distracts from the true source of suffering.
• How does Marx view the relationship between religion and class exploitation?


  Religion legitimizes both the suffering of the poor and the privileges of the ruling class.
• What are the criticisms of Marx's view on religion?


  • Ignores positive functions of religion, such as psychological adjustment to misfortune.
  • Neo-Marxists see some forms of religion as aiding class consciousness.
  • Some Marxists, like Althusser, reject the concept of alienation as unscientific.
• What do neo-Marxists believe about certain forms of religion?


  They believe these forms assist rather than hinder the development of class consciousness.
• What is Althusser's stance on the concept of alienation?


  He considers it unscientific and based on a romantic idea of a true self.
• How do Marxists generally view religion?


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


  They can have relative autonomy and be partially independent of the economic base
• What dual character does religion have 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
• What does Marx suggest about the comfort religion offers?


  It is an illusionary comfort
• Who took up the idea of religion's dual character after Marx?

  Engels
• What does Engels argue about religion's role in society?


  It can inhibit change by disguising inequality but also challenge the status quo
• How does religion sometimes support social change according to Engels?


  By preaching liberation from slavery and misery
• What role do lower ranks within the church hierarchy play according to Engels?


  They have often supported or inspired popular protest
• What is the title of Ernest Bloch's work that discusses religion?

  The Principle of Hope
• How does Bloch view the influence of religion on social change?

  It has both positive and negative influences
• What does Bloch mean by the "principle of hope" in relation to religion?


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


  They can promise rewards in heaven while distracting from real-world issues
• What potential do religious beliefs have in terms of social change?


  They can create a vision of a better world that inspires change
• What is liberation theology?

  • A movement within the Catholic Church in Latin America
  • Emerged in the late 1960s
  • Strong commitment to the poor and opposition to military dictatorships
  • Represents a major change from traditional conservative Catholicism
• What factors led to the emergence of liberation theology?


  Rural poverty, urban slums, and human rights abuses
• How did liberation theology differ from traditional Catholicism?


  It sought to change society rather than support the status quo
• What actions did priests take under liberation theology?


  They helped establish support groups and literacy programs for the poor
• What was the church's attitude towards liberation theology in the 1980s?

  Pope John Paul II condemned it for resembling Marxism
• What impact did liberation theology have on democracy in Latin America?

  It played an important role in resisting state terror and promoting democracy