The Opium of the Masses: Karl Marx's View on Religion

What did Marx call religion?

Karl Marx referred to religion as

a. The opium of the masses
b. The path to salvation
c. The source of wisdom
d. The means of control

Final answer:

Karl Marx referred to religion as 'the opium of the people'.

Karl Marx, the renowned philosopher and historian, described religion as "the opium of the people". He contended that religion served as an ideology that endeavored to justify disparities in power and societal status. Marx further held that religion was an illusion of happiness that assisted people enduring the harsh economic realities under capitalism. He argued that the Christian church, in particular, perpetuated political and economic inequality by urging ordinary people to focus on the possibility of comfort and happiness in the afterlife, instead of striving for improvement in their current socio-economic conditions. His critical perspective highlighted religion as a tool for pacifying the masses and maintaining the status quo, rather than a source of enlightenment or control.

Such views are clearly depicted in ancient societies like Egypt and Inca, where divine rulers, thought to be empowered by the gods themselves, were evident. Similarly, in the U.S., taking an oath of office on the Bible or another sacred text is a reflection of religious legitimation.