Conflict theory emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order. Karl Marx is the leading scholar when it comes to conflict theory, he states that society is understood as fragmented groups competing for economic and social resources. In conflict theory, social order is maintained by those who have the greatest political, economic and social resources. According to conflict theory, inequality exists because those who have control of the most resources strive to defend what is theirs against those who have minimal resources. Religion is seen as something that is used to blind the regular working class, while the wealthy elite seek all the benefits of what the world has to offer. As stated in class, poorer groups of people, such as the working class, see religion as an opportunity for a better life after it ends. They think that if they work hard now it will pay off in the future. This is seen by a conflict theorist as a way in which the rich and powerful can control the other population. If a person works hard now and remains obedient to the laws, then he believes that he will be rewarded by going to heaven and having eternal life next to God. Most wealthy people believe that they can live in the moment without having to worry about any consequences that might pose their eternal life is at risk. This shows that with power comes more freedom through religious views. The book contains a quote from Marx which states: "The sigh of the oppressed creature, the feeling of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people" (1964:27, orig.1848) . This quote from Marx states that religion is the opium of the people. An opiate is a drug that softens a person and makes them numb to everything that happens around them... middle of paper... as Conflict Theory. I tend to find myself leaning more towards the Structural Functionalist Viewpoint with all types of conflicts or situations. I like to think that most things in this world have an impact on the way society goes. I like to think that the great effort I put into writing a research paper will lead me to gain knowledge and allow me to be successful in life. I don't like to think that writing a research paper limits me to just going out and spending time with my friends. I don't like to think that this is just a way for the most powerful person to continue to control me. My hope is that, although I may never know what is really happening in the world outside of me, I believe that everything I do has a specific function in society as a whole. This idea makes every little effort I put into this article completely pay off.