Traditional Marxist Views on Beliefs

• What did Marx describe religion as?

  The opiate of the masses
• What did Marx mean by religion acting like a drug?

  It cushions workers from exploitation's misery
• How did Marx describe religion in relation to capitalism?

  As a negative force that cushions exploitation
• What did Marx argue the proletariat should do?

  Rise up against the bourgeoisie
• How did religion help the bourgeoisie maintain control, according to Marx?

  It was part of the ruling ideology
• What term did Lenin use to describe religion?

  Spiritual gin
• What did Lenin argue about the ruling class and religion?

  They used it to obscure reality for workers
• What does Louis Althusser argue about religion?

  It is part of the ideological state apparatus
• How does religion transmit ideology, according to Althusser?

  Through education and the media
• What do religious teachings encourage the proletariat to believe?

  That society's organization is God's will
• What hymn illustrates the religious view of social hierarchy?

  All Things Bright and Beautiful
• What does the verse from the hymn suggest about social status?

  God made them, high or lowly
• What does the verse "Blessed are the meek" imply?

  Meekness leads to inheriting the earth
• How do Marxists view verses that promise justice in heaven?

  They prevent action in this world
• What does the verse about the camel and the needle illustrate?

  The difficulty for the rich to enter heaven
• What is Engels' perspective on religion's role?

  It has a dual character, conservative and change-driven
• How do Marxist and functionalist views on religion compare?

  • Both see religion performing a function
  • Functionalists view it positively
  • Marxists view it negatively
• What criticism applies to both functionalist and Marxist views of religion?

  They assume religion influences most people
• What happens when religious practice is a minority pursuit?

  Religion loses power as an opiate
• How do some religious teachings contradict capitalism?

  They criticize greed and praise humility
• What might a rejection of materialism lead to, according to neo-Marxists?

  Seeing the ruling class as ungodly
• What are the potential roles of religion according to neo-Marxists?

  • Conservative force maintaining status quo
  • Catalyst for social change and revolution