Religion according to Karl Marx is the "opium of the masses or the people". With Practical illustrations, discuss the what extent to which the above view supports religious beliefs and practices among contemporary Ghanaian Christians

The answer is below

Explanation:

According to Karl Max, religion is the "opium of the masses or people" means that, religion, just like the opium, gives the masses or people the immediate antidote to the sufferings they are experiencing, and provided them with the idea that, they are actually not suffering, but rather enjoying the ways of the Lord, which gives them strength to carry on, even considering their poor and state of lack.

Max, however, concluded that Religion is has negative impacts, as it makes people who indulge in it from seeing the inequalities in class structures around them, which can prevent the necessary social response or revolution.

Hence, in relating to contemporary Ghanaian Christians, many of which believe that, suffering in this world, that is, their state of being poor and having poor standard of living, is a sacrifice to enjoy the reward in heaven. In their beliefs, to suffer, and be poor in this world, is one of the requirements to read the bounty fruits of heaven. While they also believe that, they are in this world to carry the "cross of Jesus" which implies to suffer with him, for his kingdom or experience the same level or equivalent of Jesus sufferings on the cross.

Therefore, Religion is the "opium" of the contemporary Ghanaian Christians, as it gives them strength to carry on, despite widespread inequalities in class structures in their society and corruption that is affecting their social economic status.