Question

Karl Marx argued that religion "... is the opium of the people" because?

1) drug use is extremely high in religious societies
2) many religions use drugs to create a state of ecstasy in religious services
3) it encouraged oppressed workers and slaves to focus on other than worldly concerns and not on improving conditions in this world
4) the pessimistic nature of most religions

Answer 1

Karl Marx argued that religion is the opium of the people because it encouraged oppressed workers and slaves to focus on other than worldly concerns and not on improving conditions in this world.

Step-by-step explanation:

Karl Marx argued that religion is the opium of the people because it encouraged oppressed workers and slaves to focus on other than worldly concerns and not on improving conditions in this world.

Marx believed that religion acted as a social control mechanism that distracted the working class from the economic difficulties they faced under capitalism. By promising a better afterlife, religion provided solace and comfort to the oppressed, thus discouraging them from taking action to improve their current circumstances.

Marx's argument was rooted in his view that religion was an ideology used by those in power to maintain and legitimize economic and social inequality.