Opiate of the Masses

One of Karl Marx's famous quotes is that he called religion "the opiate of the masses," which is to say, I think, that religion was being used to keep people from waking up to the reality of economic oppression.

This raises some interesting questions, because I think that religion at its worst can take on this sort of a role--assuming too much authority, dispensing all the answers without allowing for doubt or disagreement, giving people excuses for not caring about what happens to them, or giving people reasons to endure rather than change the conditions that enslave them.

But I have had experiences with another kind of religion--one that requires consistency and commitment, yes, but through these things allows for personal growth, and the development of character and courage.

By the grace of God, there is more than one way to do "religion," I hope.