Question

question 38
karl marx has often been quoted as saying, “religion is the opiate of the masses.” what did he mean by this statement?
religion distracts the lower classes with fantastic spectacles.
religion helps create and maintain a false consciousness in the working class.
the church is a means to extract economic resources from the poor.
keeping working - class individuals busy with religious activities and allowing them no time to organize is bad for society.

Explanation:

Karl Marx believed religion was used to keep the working - class in a false consciousness, distracting them from their true material conditions and class interests. It was seen as a tool of the ruling class to maintain the status - quo.

Answer:

Religion helps create and maintain a false consciousness in the working class.