Assess the contribution of Marxist theories to our understanding of the role & functions of religion in the world today (20)

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  • Assess the contribution of Marxist theories to our understanding of the role & functions of religion in the world today (20 marks)
    • Introduction
      • Marxism: Structural conflict theory; bourgeoisie vs. proletariat; economic base (capitalism) & superstructure
        • Religion exists to prevent a proletarian revolution & maintain capitalism
    • Distorts people's perception of reality
    • Justifies class inequality
      • Legitimates the suffering of the poor as inevitable & God-given
        • Distorts people's perception of reality
        • In reality, the poor are oppressed by the ruling class in order to maintain capitalism (cheap labour; consumerism)
          • In pre-capitalist society, the peasentry were not influenced by Christianity. However, in the world today, consumerism & labour is important
    • Religion & alienation
      • Marx: "Religion is the Opium of the people"
        • Dulls the pain of alienation
        • Provides a short-term remedy / explanation, but no long-term solution
      • Althusser: The idea of alienation is unscientific
    • Conclusion
      • Marxism does demonstrate how religion can have ideological functions
      • Does explain why the poor are more religious
      • Outdated (ignores postmodernity)
      • Negative (ignores positive functions)
      • Deterministic (ignores how religion has helped oppressed groups)

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