Title: Karl Marx
Course: REL 201 RTZ > Section: Week 1 - Introductions, Introductions to the Course and Introductions to Religion

I have included a section on Karl Marx and his view on religion because inherently his ideas are used for many arguments in this course. I prefer that we have a section regarding Mark and his views to ensure that everyone has a basic understanding of Marxist ideals.

Karl Marx was a German social economist who lived from 1818 to 1883. Marx was born and raised Jewish.  During his lifetime it was difficult to have social and upward mobility if you were Jewish.  Marx converted to Protestantism as an adult.

Marx is credited with the saying – “religion is the opium of the masses.”  Marx is also contributed with downplaying the positive aspects of religion (if you believe there are any) and portraying the negative aspects of religion as the end all cause all.  Marx also believed that man created religion and religion did not create man.

Marx believed that religion was a reflection of society.  Since Marx believed that religion and society were intertwined his critiques, ideas and theories not only reflect religion but society as a whole.  Marx contributes great merit to the study of religion.  However, as a scholar of religion you need to keep in mind the biases that Marx brought to his study of religion.  Keep in mind that he was Jewish and this was not a socially and occupationally enhancing trait to have.  Marx’s personal experiences can be reflected in his views on society and religion in his dialogues.

I am inclined to share Marx ideologies in this course and the study of religion because it is a great perspective on so many voices from modern society that many people can relate to the ideas of Marx.  By discussing the theories outlined by Marx we add an element of personal experience and insight into the study of religion. We must be cognizant at the same time to the academic value of our interpretation of the data using Marx's theories.