What is a Marxist perspective on religion?

First, it is necessary to underline the basic ideas surrounding Marxism, namely the division of society into two classes. There are: 1) Capitalists - Those who own the means of production 2) Working Class - Those whose labour is exploited by the capitalists With this in mind, Marxists believe that religion functions to legitimate the higher position of the capitalists as well as the suffering of the working class. Religion can be used as an ideological weapon by the capitalists to justify the suffering of the poor, posing it as god-given and inevitable. Therefore, religion creates a 'false consciousness', in which this distorted view of reality prevents the poor from acting to change their situation. Religion also legitimates the power of the capitalists by making it appear as divinely ordained, meaning decided by God. For instance, the 16th Century idea of the Divine Right of Kings was the belief that the kings position cannot be challenged because he is God's representative on earth and therefore deserves total obedience, reinforcing the division between the social classes. Another key concept in the Marxist perspective of religion is that of alienation - becoming seperated from or losing control over something that one has produced or created - in this case the control the working class have over the products they produce. Marxists believe that religion arises in response to alientaion, and acts as an 'opium of the masses'. This means that religion acts as an opiate to dull the pain of exploitation, and gives the working class hope through the promise of afterlife. This distracts attention from the true source of suffering, capitalism, allowing the division between the classes to be maintained and perpetuated. Overall, Marxists see religion as a feature only of class-divided society, which justifies an individuals social position whether they be a capitalist or a member of the working class.