religion and social change

• Religion as a force for change


  Extent to which religion maintains a status quo (conservative force) or enables social changes to occur in society
• Theories on religion's role

  • Consensus theories (largely argue religion acts as a conservative force)
  • Conflict theories (some argue religion can give a vision of what society could be and push for social changes)
• Marx's view


  Religion reinforces inequality in society
• Engels' view


  Birth of Christianity was revolutionary both politically and religiously, religion can help overthrow oppression of ruling classes
• Bloch's view


  Religion offers hope to individuals and a vision of a better future (heaven on earth)
• Maduro's view


  Religion can be a force for change, citing involvement of liberation theology in conflicts in South America
• Feminist view


  Religion is largely patriarchal, but spirituality can help create a divine feminine and develop confidence and self-esteem in women
• Weber's analysis


  Protestant work ethic and view of wealth as a blessing aided the spread of capitalism
• Examples of religion as a force for social change

  • Liberation theology in South America
  • Civil rights movement in USA led by Martin Luther King Jr.
• Role of churches in civil rights movement

  Provided safe space for dissenting voices, offered moral guidance, organized peaceful protests
• Critics argue religion's role in social change is diminished in increasingly secular society, though this may be debated globally