Marxist View Of Religion Essay

Marx believed that when an ideological state apparatus ‘functions to mask its’ own failure, it is a false ideal, or false consciousness, whose real purpose is to promote the interests of those in power’. (56 critical theory today) One example of false consciousness is religion, which Marx described as ‘the sigh of the oppressed creature...It is the opiate of the people.’ (Marx,k. 2000 selected writings 2000edn oxford oxford university press). This view of religion observes that it is merely a tool for keeping the working class passive and unaware of their exploitation by the ruling class. There are several ways that religion can be perceived as an ideological apparatus, firstly by promoting the concept that hierarchy is natural and that God invented people as either poor or rich. Secondly, religion is used as an excuse for exploitation, the causes of inequality (which are the bourgeoisie), are said to be caused by sin or the devil. The main theory however, is that those who work hard in life will be compensated in heaven. Protestant Calvinists, a religious group, believed that by living a frugal life, working hard …show more content…
This understanding of their own manipulation will encourage them to unite as a newly realized working class, and overthrow the bourgeoisie, resulting in a classless society with communist values. Marx supported the revolution, stating ‘let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have the world to win.’ (Communist manifesto). Despite this being less than certain, and essentially a prediction, if the working class were to unite in any way it is almost definite that they would succeed. The working class make up a large portion of society and support the base of economy, therefore if their support was withdrawn the results would evidently be