Karl Max describes religion in his writings as an opium of the oppressed. He says religion is an expression of material realities and economic injustices, which means that the problem faced in religion are problems in society. He describes religion as a symptom rather than a disease. This is because religion is used by the oppressed to make them feel better about their distress.
According to Karl Max, religion can be the opium of the poor in that it is meant to create an illusion fantasy for the poor. The struggles of the poor hinder them from finding true happiness, and religion tells them that it is alright because they will find joy in life after death. Just as the opium-based drugs relieve the pain during severe injuries, religion does that to the economically hurt.
There are several examples to support Karl Max’s views. First, the church is wealthy but chooses not to help the poor; the region legitimizes the suffering of the poor and dis-privileged. Also, the king i9n the 21st century was the representative of God, and disobeying the king equaled disobeying God. Hence, it gave the ruling class power over the oppressed.
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Karl Max suggests that the world must get rid of religion to achieve equality. Religion has always been a barrier to justice, especially gender equality. There are several cases of gender violence done in the name of religion. However, I do not support the disbandment of religion since Karl Max overlooked the factor of religious freedom. In the 21st century, the world has advanced to give freedom to worship. The world ought to grant freedom to religion hence solving the problem of inequality. The minority groups such women will be empowered to air their views through religious platforms.
Religion has served as a resource to minorities in the following ways. During the civil war, the black church was the center of solace and hope. Also, the black church provided strategies for liberations and survival and also participated in the process of recruiting soldiers. The black church conducted an antislavery movement to fight for the rights of the slaves. Moreover, on the battlefield, religion provided the men and women to come into terms with the suffering they underwent during the war.
