Describe conflict perspectives on religion, and distinguish between the approaches of sociologists Karl Marx and Max Weber

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

For sociologist Karl Marx, ideologies—systematic views of the way the world ought to

be—are embodied in religious doctrines and political values. The ideologies serve to

justify the status quo and retard social change. Marx wrote that religion is the "opiate

of the masses.". People become complacent because they have been taught to believe

in an afterlife in which they will be rewarded for their suffering and misery in life.

Although these religious teachings soothe the masses' distress, any relief is illusory.

Religion unites people in a "false consciousness" that they share common interests with

members of the dominant class. For sociologist Max Weber, religion could be a catalyst

to produce social change. In The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,

Weber asserted that the religious teachings of John Calvin are directly related to the

rise of capitalism. According to the Protestant ethic, those who have faith, perform

good works, and achieve economic success are more likely to be among the chosen of

God. As a result, people work hard, save their money, and do not spend it on worldly

frivolity? instead, they reinvest it in their land, equipment, and labor. Weber was acutely

aware that religion could reinforce existing social arrangements, especially the

stratification system. The wealthy can use religion to justify their power and privilege.

From a conflict perspective, religion tends to promote strife between groups and

societies.