KARL MARX'S PERSPECTIVE ON RELIGION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Karl Marx, one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century, offered a criticalexamination of religion within the framework of his broader socio-economic theories. This article explores Marx's ideas on religion, examining his views on its origins, functions, and implications within capitalist societies. This article aims to shed light on Marx's critique of religion as a tool of social control and as an opium of the masses. Furthermore, it discusses the relevance of Marx's ideas on religion in contemporary society.Religion has been destructively criticized and is still passingthrough criticisms. This is due largely to the sufferings anddevastated situations humanity has passed through over thecenturies as a result of many wars caused or justified by religion.Karl Marx regards religion as asource of untold misery to the human race. To achieve this objective, evaluative method was adopted. Religion laid the foundations of formal education andlibrary system, university institutions, the cultural foundations ofEurope, Arab and numerous countries of the world. It alsocontributed to scientific discoveries and technological innovations.Religion laid the foundation for the sanctity of human life,fundamental equality of all men, man's liberty, anti-slavery andabolitionist attitude, religious freedom, domestic stability andfavourable attitude to work.The study recommends that religiousleaders should as a matter of urgency and commitment review thetenets and creeds of their religions and get rid of anything that tends to erode their cherished value of human development andfocus more on their works of helping humanity rather than exploiting.