How can religion lead to Social Change?(10 marks)

Bloch argued that religion could lead to social change because it had the ability to inspire protest and rebellion. Item A says “religious beliefs can sometimes lead believers to act in ways that have unforeseen consequences for society”. Bloch argued that religion often preached about liberation from slavery and exploitation, which individuals may use as a reason to try and free themselves from oppression. Sociologist Bruce uses the idea of The Black Civil Rights movement to illustrate the idea of religion encouraging social protest. He argues that the Black clergy were the backbone of the movement led by Martin Luther King, acting as support systems for the black people involved. It is also argued that Martin Luther King used religious teachings such as “love thy neighbour” to shame white people into accepting social integration. Religious was also seen as a force for change because it allowed nationwide support- because most people at the time were religious, this common ground of religion allowed the black church to reason with the white population and thus bring about more freedom for black people.Another was argued that religion can lead to social change comes from the theory of religion and hegemony developed by Gramsci. Although Marxists believed that religion could act as a conservative force and keep society from changing, Gransci argued that religion can have a dual character- it has the ability to actually bring about change. He argued that individuals could develop, based off religious ideas of heaven and earth, ideas of an alternative, improves society, in which everybody is equal. He argued this can there inspire people to make changes in their community. Supporting sociologist Billings uses the example of the coal miners and textile workers in Kentucky, and how in two very similar groups, both suffering from exploitation, the coal miners struggled for recognition of their trade unions and pushed for social change due to their religious environment. For example, Billings argued that because the coal miners were educated by organic individuals and some preachers,they learnt right from wrong and pressed for change and equality. Billings also argued that their religious activities for example hymn signing kept the coal miners morale high when fighting for better working conditions, thus strengthening the idea that religion can act as a strong force for change.