The Disadvantages of Marx Theory

According to Karl Marx (2002), religion manifests itself as any other social institution that greatly depends on other social circles of the society like economical and the material benefits. Therefore, religion is greatly intertwined with other social systems and economical factors governing the society. Marx’s analysis and critique of religion is the most famous and controversial subject in the world. From his functionalist point of view the set religious doctrines are mostly dependent on economics making the religious doctrines weak and almost groundless. Marx views religion as a way of creating excuses and providing reasons to escape from our problems, seeking for divine intervention in the hope that it will make the world a better place. People will momentarily run away from their problems when they arise and seek for higher powers to calm them down. Marx therefore did not associate himself with religion as much as he lived without offending people.

According to Marx “religion is the opium of the people.” This notion illustrates that religion creates an illusion of fantasies to the less fortunate people in the society. In these economic hard times life has become unbearable to many thus to Karl Marx religion is used as scapegoat from the reality. Although this came as a criticism Marx was sympathetic as he provided solace; people are in distress and religion constantly offered refuge. He related this to physically injured people who were given relief from opiate-based drugs for relief. Religion therefore does not provide solution to peoples underlying problems but eases the pain and makes them seek for supreme power instead of trying to change their circumstances. According to Marx religion signifies the discontent and cons...

... middle of paper ...

...ecognize God. God to him may not exist but He represents that which cannot be controlled or comprehended, and thus unites us all.

According to Clarke (2009) religion has been used to encourage social welfare, through provision of work like priesthood. It has served humanity through spreading of education and enhanced charitable efforts to improve people’s lives. Religion therefore has been the central element of civilization throughout the ages. It has been the driving force behind ethical codes and basics morals and values within as society.

References

Clarke Peter, The Oxford Handbook Of The Sociology Of Religion; Oxford University Press, 2009.

Marx Karl, Marx On Religion; Political Science. Temple university press, 2002.

Townsley Jeremy; Marx, Weber and Durkheim on religion, available at

http://www.jeramyt.org/papers/sociology-of-religion.html, 2004Aug.