Sociologists have defined religion as a social institution that involves practices and beliefs which society considers sacred. Different members of the community share virtues in light of symbols and rituals as an identity of spiritualism. Religions often have ethics and set rules that guide the way of living among its members. Some of the faiths include; Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, among others. These religions tend to have general similarities, but each of them has a unique way of operation that makes them different from each other (Korgen & Atkinson, 2020). Members are regarded as religious when they participate in activities that are considered sacred in that specific affiliation.
I strongly agree with Karl Marx that religion is the opiate of the masses. He believed that spirituality played a significant role in society, which was similar to opium in pain (Korgen & Atkinson, 2020). Religion instils happiness and consolation to individuals with a wide range of depressive events. Members seek solace and feel a sense of peace in sacred places such as churches and shrines. Religion provides comfort for the believers who possess a perception of hope despite suppressing situations that could lead to outrageous acts. Karl Marx claimed that the religious leaders depended on donations from the wealthy members. They convinced the workers to concentrate on gaining benefits in the afterlife rather than demanding for their present rights such as fair pay and eradicating the capitalist system. Indeed, the labourers find their comfort relieved them from the pressure, making them continue being oppressed by their wealthy employers. Marx argues that abolition of religion, could inform demand for their real satisfaction by asking for better pay and abolishing capitalism.
Reference
Korgen, K. O., & Atkinson, M. P. (Eds.). (2020). Sociology in Action. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.