Final answer:
Karl Marx considered religion as a tool that perpetuates socioeconomic inequalities under capitalism, which he described as the 'opium of the people.' Religion is viewed as an opiate that soothes the oppressed, legitimizing exploitation and impeding the pursuit of improved living conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
German philosopher and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx viewed religion intrinsically tied to societal and economic structures, especially in the context of capitalism. Marx's analysis of religion suggested that it serves to perpetuate the status quo by providing an 'opium' to the oppressed working class, pacifying them with promises of happiness in an afterlife, thereby maintaining economic and social inequalities. He believed that religious institutions like the Christian church legitimized and upheld the political and economic suppression of the proletariat by encouraging conformity and deterring the fight for improved socioeconomic conditions.
Marx's critique of religion is underpinned by the concept that the oppressive structures of capitalism are reflected and reinforced by religion, which has historically been used to justify power disparities, such as the 'divine right' of monarchs or the divine sanctification of rulers in ancient societies. Religion, as per Marx, was an ideological veil cloaking the real human suffering and exploitation inherent in capitalist societies. His prediction of a post-revolutionary world posited an end to religious consolation, replaced by 'class consciousness' and a worldwide proletarian revolution.