Materialistic Perspective on Religion
One common perspective of religion is that of a materialistic perspective.
Supporters of that perspective believe that human beings created religion to help them
deal with the unknown and the unexplainable like death (Johnson). A few founders of
this religious perspective are Sigmund Freud, and Karl Marx.
Sigmund Freud was born into a Jewish family in Freiburg, Moravia. Although he
was raised Jewish, Freud eventually formed atheistic opinions. He believed that religion
is a “mental defense against the hardships of life” (Cardozo). He believed that people
needed explanations for natural disasters like floods and earthquakes and so they go to
their god for comfort and security.
Another figure with a materialistic perspective towards religion was Karl Marx.
He believed that “religion is an illusion that provides reasons and excuses to keep
society functioning just as it is” (Cline). Religion tries to control society by influencing
which behaviors or actions we encounter are “normal” or acceptable. There are also
rules and guidelines on how people should behave where, if followed, they will find a
better existence once we leave this life. But if these commandments aren’t followed as
written then the people are guaranteed to spend eternity in a fiery pit called Hell.
I personally have a bit of a materialistic perspective on religion. I believe that, a
couple hundred years ago, churches were created to help people get through the hard
times in life. Things happened that just couldn’t be explained so people got together
and came up with answers to all their problems. Now, though, I believe that the
churches only care about themselves. They have the power and influence over their
followers to make them think or act certain ways. Members of the Catholic church don’t
believe in birth control and Mormons send their sons on a two year long mission at the
age of 19. Both of these are life changing...