Question

Marx's notion that religion diverts the thoughts of workers to the afterlife rather than toward rebellion against their worldly oppressors is expressed by his statement ________.

a) "Religion is the opium of the masses."
b) "God is dead."
c) "Workers of the world, unite!"
d) "The protestant work ethic."

Answer 1

Marx's statement that "Religion is the opium of the masses" expresses his view that religion mollifies workers into accepting their life conditions by focusing on afterlife rewards, thus deflecting desires for social rebellion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Karl Marx's notion that religion diverts the thoughts of workers to the afterlife, rather than toward rebellion against their worldly oppressors, is expressed by his statement "Religion is the opium of the masses." This idea reflects Marx's view that religion serves to maintain social order by providing an illusion of happiness and promising rewards in the afterlife, which deters people from seeking to improve their worldly conditions. For Marx, religion was closely tied with the economic suffering of the working class and played a role in justifying the existence of social inequalities.