According to Karl Marx (2002), religion manifests itself like any other social institution which is largely dependent on other social circles of society as economic and material benefits. Therefore, religion is strongly intertwined with other social systems and economic factors that govern society. Marx's analysis and criticism of religion is the most famous and controversial topic in the world. From his functionalist point of view, overall religious doctrines depend mostly on economics, making them weak and almost unfounded. Marx sees religion as a way to create excuses and provide reasons to escape our problems, seeking divine intervention in the hope that it will make the world a better place. People will momentarily flee from their problems when they arise and seek higher powers to calm them. Marx therefore did not so much associate himself with religion as he lived without offending people. According to Marx “religion is the opium of the people”. This notion illustrates that religion creates an illusion of fantasies for less fortunate people in society. In these difficult economic times life has become unbearable for many, so for Karl Marx religion is used as a scapegoat by reality. Although this was a criticism, Marx was sympathetic as it provided comfort; people are in trouble and religion constantly offers refuge. He has reported this to physically injured people who have been given opioid-based medications for relief. Religion therefore does not provide a solution to people's underlying problems, but it eases the pain and pushes them to seek supreme power instead of trying to change their circumstances. According to Marx, religion means discontent and the counter... middle of paper......recognizing God. For him, God may not exist, but he represents what cannot be controlled or understood, and therefore unites us all. According to Clarke (2009) religion has been used to encourage social welfare, through the provision of work such as the priesthood. He served humanity through spreading education and strengthening charitable efforts to improve people's lives. Religion has therefore been the central element of civilization over the centuries. It has been the driving force behind the codes of ethics, morals and core values ​​within the society. References Clarke Peter, The Oxford Handbook Of The Sociology Of Religion; Oxford University Press, 2009.Marx Karl, Marx on Religion; Political science. Temple University Press, 2002.Townsley Jeremy; Marx, Weber, and Durkheim on Religion, available at http://www.jeramyt.org/papers/sociology-of-religion.html, 2004 August.