Which is more likely to influence the other: Religion or economics? Why? What specific aspects of religious commitment/religion might influence a person’s economic conduct or circumstances?
It can be argued that religion can influence the economy more intensely, rather than vice versa, for several reasons. For instance, in economic life, such virtues as honesty, dignity, and respect for commitments are emphasized; in its turn, religion stresses the importance of these virtues in the disciples. Furthermore, religion sometimes encourages the consumption of material objects and things, especially during the holidays. Besides, any religion ennobles work and emphasizes human labor as a vocation. For example, Protestantism exalts any work, in principle, and it is associated with an increase in productivity and income. Moreover, religion can justify and approve a specific economic system or activity. It may be noted that aspects of religion frequently urge people to do charity and to give away their material assets.
What does Karl Marx mean by religion is an opiate to oppressed people? According to Karl Max in what ways can religion be an opiate to oppressed people?
The words of Karl Marx expressed the illusory-compensatory function of religion. To be more precise, the role of it in this context is to compensate for the weakness of human beings. On the level of the religious consciousness, it manifests itself as an illusory objective practical resolution of contradictions and as the liberation of consciousness. Nevertheless, Karl Marx tried to propose the idea that religion does not eliminate the contradictions and difficulties of real-life and circumstances. Religion is designed to overcome the oppression of nature and society, under which people might find themselves, to help them overcome their helplessness in the circumstances. Importantly, religion and its influence on the consequences of oppression can be explained in the idea that it blunts the distress connected to exploitation, though, it cannot resolve the reason for it. Religion soothes people and their sufferings, but it is incapable of eliminating the triggers. Also, religion legitimates the anguish of those who are underclass and the liberties of the ruling class.
Identify and discuss the new themes in Black Religion in America
Several new themes in Black Religion in America have emerged. They were focused on the theology of liberation and spiritual growth. The Black Religion promoted spiritual sanctuary and community to assist in the societal alteration and fight. One of the main themes throughout the Religion was the need of the community to struggle against the violence altogether. Additionally, it facilitated reorientation and rebuilding of the society to ensure and promote the intensified values. Moreover, the Black Religion was the core of the economic cooperation. Notably, education was the central topic of Religion in terms of society and its reconstruction.
Discuss the central ideas in Native American Religion
It should be noted that there is no such notion as Native American Religion since the American population is represented by people with varied backgrounds that belong to a variety of different nations and national groups. Therefore, this collective attribution is not precise enough. Nevertheless, there are many central ideas of what has been called Native American Religion. Most importantly, sacredness and spirituality have been the most crucial aspects of the life of the people. Moreover, the wrongful perceptions of the indigenous people by the Europeans have pushed the enslavement and conversion of the Native Americans and the imposition of their religious attitudes and traditions. In particular, the Native Religion perceived time as a familiar cycle whereas the Europeans brought their idea of 365 days in a year; thus, attempting to change or modify the core of it for the indigenous people.