Marxist theories of religion

• What does Marx believe religion distorts?

  People's perception of reality
• How does the ruling class control ideas in society according to Marx?

  By controlling economic production
• What role does religion play according to Marx's ideology?

  It legitimizes the suffering of the poor
• What is false class consciousness as described by Marx?

  A distorted view preventing change in the poor
• How does Lenin describe religion?

  As 'spiritual gin'
• What is the purpose of religion according to Lenin?

  To confuse the masses and maintain control
• How does religion obscure reality according to Lenin?

  By creating a 'mystical fog'
• What does Marx mean by religion as an opiate?

  It dulls the pain of exploitation
• What does Marx argue about the cause of religion?

  It arises from suffering and alienation
• How does religion fail according to Marx?

  It does not address the cause of exploitation
• What are the criticisms of Marx's view on religion?

  • Ignores positive functions of religion
  • Althusser rejects alienation as unscientific
  • Religion may not effectively control the population
• What does Althusser think about the concept of alienation?

  It is unscientific and romanticized
• What does Althusser argue about religion's effectiveness?

  It doesn't necessarily control the population