Although Marx presents an interesting argument against religion, he fails to offer any concrete alternative while disregarding the positives of religion. Marx claims that religion “is the opium of the people,” suggesting it is used solely for narcotic purposes; to heal pain without having to overcome it. Religion is not just a way to deal with pain. With it comes a community and people to relate to, a foundation of morals and answers to life on earth. It gives people a purpose who may have otherwise felt lost in the world. Although many wars have been fought over religion, many good deeds are done based on the morals that come with religion. For example, many charitable organizations are founded because of religion and many churches and temples offer ways to do community service. Things that we would not normally think about, such as feeding a hungry person, are also done because of the moral codes of certain religions. Religion has also been the inspiration for marvelous art, incredible architecture and music. Marxism has not.
Marx offers history and philosophy to “establish the truth of this world.” However, the role of religion in history has been so extremely influential in shaping the world today, that disregarding everything that related to religion to “establish the truth of this world,” would leave Marx with a scarce amount of material to establish anything with. Merriam-Webster defines philosophy as “a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means.” In many ways that is what religion is. Much of philosophy is theories that can be debated and leave people asking the same questions that religion has already answered.
Essentially Marx wants us to live under his “religion.” Because no one is legitimately sure of what “reality” we’re living in, it is not fair for Marx to say he is right and religion is wrong, nor is it fair to say that Marx is entirely wrong. We may never find the actual truth. Ultimately, Marx’s idea against religion is just another idea, like the religions that he criticizes, that tells us what we should do.
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I like that you analyzed the effect of religion on society today and mentioned the example of charity. I would argue, however, that although religion has produced many beautiful cathedrals and music, Marxism has not had the same chance or time span to flourish as religion has.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you incorporated the views on religions in present days. I was wondering, is Marx only negative about the religions? Couldn't there be some positive meaning implied by describing religion as opium?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Becca in that I really like the way you touched upon the way religion has effected our society. I think it helps to relate topics like religion, and other important factors in history, to our lives today to get a better understanding.
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