Marxist Theory of Religion: Analysis and Critique

This assignment critically examines Karl Marx's theory of religion, focusing on its role as an instrument for social control and the maintenance of class inequality. It analyzes the concept of religious alienation and its impact on individuals and society. Furthermore, the assignment evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of Marx's perspective, considering counter-arguments from scholars like Aronowitz and Turner. It also explores the implications of Marx's theory for education and the potential consequences of abolishing religion.

ESSAY 3
(Marxist perspective on Religion)

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Marx theory of religion...............................................................................................................1
Advantage ad disadvantage of Marx theory of religion..............................................................2
Critical evaluation of Marx theory of religion............................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Karl Marx theory of religion is drawn from various sources; philosophical, moral, social,
economical, political and historical. Marx's view about religion serves as ideological weapon for
those who suffer from poor (Aronowitz, 2016). This theory looks at religion as evil in the society
and believes that it is contagious on society. Present study will discuss about Karl Marx theory of
religion. Its advantage, disadvantage will be described in this essay. Furthermore, critical
evaluation will be done in order to develop understanding about the concept.
MAIN BODY
Marx theory of religion
As per the view of Marx religion serves as ideological weapon in the society. This is
generally used by ruling class people to legitimate those people who are poor (Bloch, 2013).
Marx has described that people those who are educated and understand the reality of the world,
they need to give up their superstitious beliefs because it impacts on their mind. This theory
explains that religions act as mask, they cover the trust and misguide the society members. For
poor people it is just a process to get adjusted in their own situation ((The Marxist View of
Religion – Unit 3. 2017)).
Religion are considered as social institution which is much more depended upon the
economic reality and material available in the society (The Marxist View of Religion – Unit 3.
2017). This theory explains that class inequality present in the society due to which ruling class
is living their life happily whereas lower class people are suffering from bad conditions.
Working class are aware that they are getting exploitation by ruling class but due to their
religious believes they are accepting this fact. Karl Marx's concept about religion are seen from
different perspectives; projection of social alienation, ideological tool and opium of people.
Society is divided into two groups, these are working class and ruling class. Theory
explains that religion is made by man and society members are not born or make by religion
(Alexander, 2014). Hence, it is self-consciousness so believing on the religion to great extent is
not right. Actual condition of the people can reflected by this religion, it creates illusion in the
mind of society members. Religion plays role in the society as consoling oppressed. It is just
spirit with spiritless condition. It plays role of opiate which is used by people to dull pain which
is generally occurred by oppression. It creates illusive psycho-therapeutic thoughts in the mind of
human being, by this way person forget their all type of frustrations and get adjusted into the
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circumstances (Aronowitz, 2016). As per the concept of Karl Marx religions theory, religion
does not resolve problems of human being, it just misguide the person from its situation so that
life can become bearable for them (The Marxist View of Religion – Unit 3. 2017).
Advantage ad disadvantage of Marx theory of religion
Marx theory of religion is considered as one of the beneficial concept for society, it
concentrates on groups of the society upper class, bourgeoisie and proletariat. It shows inequality
in the society and people live their live in this condition. Religion is considered as opium of
people, by this way human being become able to numb their oppression pain. Its main focus is
one creating true equality in the society so that people can live their life easily without any
illusion (The Marxist View of Religion – Unit 3. 2017). Its concentrates on human rights, every
one has equal rights in the society so they must get equal treatment and opportunities. It needs to
be depended upon the person how an individual live, it should not be based on religion. Marx
society works for the benefit of society sand stress on struggling class. This has brought positive
change in the society working class people can get maximum benefit. Another major advantage
of Marx religion theory is that it reduces tendency of debt (Bloch, 2013). Communities are
required to work together for the welfare of society so that discrimination can be minimized and
debt can be reduced.
Marx theory of religion has some weakness as well, this concept tries to abolish the
religion completely. It concentrates on faith and freedom. But hurts the believes of society
members. If there is no religion then it would impact on prominent belief which is followed
across the world in different communities (The Marxist View of Religion – Unit 3. 2017). It
negatively impacts on the educational system. It creates illusion in the mind of human being, that
is why they fail to understand their real situation and get adjusted in circumstance by believing
that it is there religion.
Critical evaluation of Marx theory of religion
As per the view of Alexander, (2014) religion is an ideological state which is used to
dominate working class people by ruling class members. Working class human being are being
brain washed by religious aspects and they accept their position in the society and get adjusted in
the society accordingly. Aronowitz, (2016) has rejected the alienation concept of Marx. It is
unscientific and based on false assumptions. Turner, Abercrombie and Hill, (2014) has argued
that Christianity is the main community where ruling class ideology exist but it does not impact
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on peasantry people to great extent. Turner, (2014) stated that society has become more
depended upon the religious factor and true things have been lost from the society. People
believe on illusions and they are living their life accordingly.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it can be concluded that Marx perspective on religion acts as
weapon that helps in maintaining religious perspective of society. Religion creates negative
illusions in the mind of human being and due to which working class people do not give any
reaction and get adjusted in their situation. It is just a belief so person need to believe of facts
more rather than false assumptions. Individual has to understand the reality of world and to that
extent they have to believe on religion.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alexander, J. C., 2014. The Antinomies of Classical Thought: Marx and Durkheim (Theoretical
Logic in Sociology) (Vol. 2). Routledge.
Aronowitz, S., 2016. The crisis in historical materialism: Class, politics and culture in Marxist
theory. Springer.
Bloch, M.., 2013. Marxist analyses and social anthropology(Vol. 2). Routledge.
Turner, B. S., 2014. Conclusion: peroration on ideology.Dominant Ideologies (RLE Social
Theory). pp.229.
Turner, B. S., Abercrombie, N. and Hill, S., 2014. Sovereign Individuals of Capitalism (RLE
Social Theory). Routledge.
Online
The Marxist View of Religion – Unit 3. 2017. [online]. Available through.< Available
through.<https://sociologysaviour.wordpress.com/2015/07/15/the-marxist-view-of-
religion-unit-3/>
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