Sample Solution

Karl Marx believed that religion was an “opiate of the masses”, meaning it was used by those in power to keep people from rising up and challenging the current social order (Marx & Engels, 1848). He saw religion as a part of society which served to distract people from their suffering and prevent them from trying to change their circumstances. Religion was seen as a tool of oppression used by ruling classes to maintain control over the less powerful members of society.

Modernization has had an impact on this view of religion in two ways. On one hand, many modern societies have seen declines in religious affiliation and participation (Norris & Inglehart, 2019). This is due largely to increased education levels combined with increased access to information and more diverse worldviews than were accessible in Marx’s time. As such, there are now fewer people who view religion as necessary or relevant for finding meaning in life.

On the other hand however, certain religions—especially fundamentalist forms—have seen increasing support due both to societal alienation caused by rapid modernization processes (Inglehart et al., 2017) as well as political manipulation by those seeking to take advantage of these conditions. These new forms of religiosity have sought to fill gaps left open by traditional religious institutions or provide solace for those feeling disconnected or powerless within changing economic systems.

In conclusion, Karl Marx viewed religion as a tool used by powerful elites for preventing changes that threatened their interests. Modernization has impacted this role through decreased participation rates but also increased support for certain fundamentalist forms which seek comfort amidst rapidly changing societies.