Defining Religion

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Defining Religion "Religion is only the illusory sun which revolves round man as long as

he does not revolve round himself". Karl Marx.

Before we can look at the Marxist theory of religion we must first

have some understanding of what religion is. For many in todays world

religion is becoming something alien, only 3% of the population of

Britain attend Church! Religion is, however, much more than simple

Church attendance, something that has never been high amongst the

British working-class. Religion for me involves two things: beliefs

and practices, or, rituals. Roland Robertson defines religion in the

following succinct manner:

"(religion) refers to the existence of supernatural beings that have a

governing effect on life"

This is as clear a definition of religion as I have come across.

Religion refers to the existence of beings that transcend nature, that

is, they do not conform to the laws of nature. These supernatural

beings are superhuman, they can perform tasks that no creature on

earth could possibly perform. This definition of religion may,

however, lead to some religions not being defined as religions. No

definition is perfect.

Religion also involves practices or rituals. What is a ritual? For me

it is simply some repeated pattern of human action which has some

religious significance or connection. For example, marriage ceremonies

in churches, baptism, prayer, confession, confirmation are all

rituals. Such rituals can be conceived of in ideological terms, or in

terms of control. They are symbolic in nature often expressi...

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Did Jesus not tell his disciples to cast off their worldly

possessions, and not to think of tomorrow?

Conclusion

While it may indeed be true that religion and religious movements have

challenged the status quo at given times it remains the case that

throughout the history of religion the vast majority of religious

organisations and beliefs have served the interests of the

ruling-class. Even those religions and religious movements that have

at one time challenged the status quo have been turned over the course

of time into a tool of the powerful, that is, into ruling class

ideology. The Marxist case with regard to religion is very

comprehensive, even if we accept that in some cases religion can be a

force for change. Certainly no other theory explains religion in so

comprehensive and compelling a manner.

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