engels- religion as a dual character

• What does Engels mean by the statement ‘religion has a dual character’?

  Religion can both conserve and challenge social change
• How does religion act as a conservative force?

  It prevents social change through beliefs and practices
• In what way can religion challenge the status quo?

  By bringing about social change
• How do Marxists typically view religion?

  As an entirely conservative ideology
• What role does religion play in legitimating inequality in capitalism?

  It justifies the rich/poor divide as divinely ordained
• How does religion affect the potential for revolution?

  It prevents revolution by legitimating inequality
• What is the Marxist view on religious ideas and their autonomy?

  They can be partly independent of the economic base
• How do Marxists view the dual character of religion?

  It can be a force for change instead of stability
• What did Marx believe about religion's role in an exploitative world?

  It could humanize an inhuman world
• What phrase did Marx use to describe religion's role?

  “The soul of soulless conditions”
• How does Engels describe religion's inhibiting effect on change?

  By disguising inequality
• What can religion preach in terms of liberation?

  It can preach liberation from slavery and misery
• How do different ranks within church hierarchies affect social change?

  Lower ranks can inspire popular protest for change