Marxists perspective on religion

Question 1

What is the Marxist perspective on religion ?

Answer 1

Marxism is a conflict theory that argues that religion reproduces capitalism and ruling class ideology

Question 2

What do traditional Marxists argue about the economic base?

Answer 2

Traditional Marxists argue that the economic base of society determines everything, thus the capitalist economy shapes and influences religion and its ideas and beliefs.

Question 3

What is Karl Marxs ideas on religion ?

Answer 3

Karl marx argues that religion has two ideological functions

1. A tool used by the ruling class as an instrument of oppression
2. Used by the working class to cushion the effects or oppression

Question 4

Explain the two ideological functions of religion according to Karl Marx.

Answer 4

1. Used by the ruling class as an instrument of oppression ,this is because religion justifies and legitimises class inequality in society, by suggesting that the existing social order is god give therefore cannot be questioned

2. Used by the working class as a cushion for the effects of oppression- this was argued by Marx because religion is the opium of the people , suggesting that religion is used like a drug for the working class to numb and ease the pain of the inequality in society. Therefore this creates a false class consciousness which in turn prevents a revolution keeps capitalism on going. 
this is done by the 
- promise of an afterlife that will make up for their hardships eg in Islam the PROMISE Of a paradise

Question 5

What is Lenin’s theory of religion?

Answer 5

Lenin argues that religion is a spiritual gin that is used as a form of escapism which numbs and blinds people’s awareness to the reality around them,

Question 6

What is some evidence to support the traditional Marx view ?

Answer 6

Leach has noted that the church of England supports the upper class and does little to reduce inequality eg 80% of bishops attended Oxbridge and majority of them are male

Question 7

How useful is the Marx perspective on religion?

Answer 7

• Traditional Marxists recognise that religion plays a role in shaping false class conciousness by controlling the ideas of the working class
• Funct would criticise Marx’s ideas and argue that Marxists ignore the positive functions of religion such as creating a sense of community and social solidarity
• Marx’s perspective is not useful in understanding religion if we assume that todays society is more secular. This suggests that religion no longer has the same Influence and control it once had over society.
• Neo Marxists would also criticise traditional Marx views suggesting that religion can be used to overthrow capitalism

Question 8

How does the Neo Marxists perspective differ from the traditional Marx view?

Answer 8

Neo marxists argue that

- capitali