Do communism and organised religion have anything in common ?

Question

eg. dogma, cult of personality, belief in a certain one true path, intolerance of other systems, obligation to tow the "party line" etc

Could communism, facism etc be considered as religions in themselves ?

Or at least could they be considered a very close cousin to religion ?

I ask this because many theists attempt to show the "evilness" of atheism by saying communist russia was atheist.

While thinking about this I wondered if in fact religion had more in common with communism.

Answer 1

a powerful elite

Answer 2

Technically, religion is a belief system that accepts as truth that which cannot, to a non-believer, be proven, but must be taken on faith

By that definition, there is NO difference between atheists and ANY follower of ANY religion.

None of the above can prove their contentions to the other. None are generally the least bit willing to sit down and discuss it with reason, logic and in a calm, mature manner.

Answer 3

Communism after its inception was forced on people whereas religion is voluntary, at least once you get over the childhood brainwashing that most kids get. Oh, and unless you are a Muslim in which case you have to be killed if you try to opt out.
At least Communism has a goal that was in theory achievable on earth whereas religion is just pie in the sky.

Answer 4

You might want to read Bertrand Russell. He wrote eloquently on the sameness of methods and behaviours of religion and communism.

Answer 5

No....russia just didn't have a national religion, but allowed their people to worship what they wanted.

Answer 6

Not as much as Capitalism, as hopes of getting rich, going to heaven