Class

• What does the ‘Dominant Ideology’ Theory propose?

  The ruling class promotes specific beliefs and values
• How does the ruling class use religion according to the ‘Dominant Ideology’ Theory?

  To promote and enforce their ideology
• What is false class consciousness?

  Acceptance of exploitation and oppression by the proletariat
• Who disagrees with Marx's view on religion's relevance to the poor?

  Brian Turner
• What does Turner argue about the poor's concerns?

  The poor prioritize survival over godliness
• According to Turner, what influences people's behavior today?

  The economy influences behavior, not religion
• What was the function of the system of ‘primogeniture’?

  To keep wealth within the family
• How did the church support the system of primogeniture?

  By emphasizing marriage and legitimacy of heirs
• What role did religion play in controlling sexuality according to Turner?

  To secure regular transmission of property
• What additional function did religion serve for surplus male heirs?

  Provided accommodation in monasteries
• What has happened to the system of primogeniture in modern times?

  It has largely disappeared
• Who holds wealth in contemporary society according to Turner?

  Businesses and corporations
• What does Mannheim say about the ruling class's ideology?

  It is blind to threats to their power
• What does the working class's utopian consciousness encourage?

  A rising up out of oppression
• What happens when the working class achieves economic success according to Mannheim?

  They adopt the ruling class's ideology
• What similarity did Engels see between Christianity and Socialism?

  Both preach salvation from oppression
• How does Christianity view salvation compared to Socialism?

  Christianity sees it in the afterlife
• Why does Engels consider religious salvation as false?

  It creates a false consciousness
• What is a theodicy?

  A set of religiously based abstract ideas
• How does the ruling class use their theodicy?

  To justify their social position
• What do subordinate groups use their theodicy for?

  To understand their pain and suffering
• What potential does a theodicy of non-privilege have?

  It can have revolutionary potential
• What is the concept of "ideological smokescreen"?

  A distraction from real social issues
• How does ideology function as a form of social control?

  It shapes beliefs to maintain power dynamics
• What was the historical role of religion in society?

  To maintain power and control over classes
• How has modern secularism impacted religion's influence?

  It has reduced religion's societal relevance