I've read that the original Communists shunned Christianity (or any other religion for that matter) because it was not just the "opiate of the masses" but a threat to the "struggle" of the working class.
Giving this some thought, how can the Christian faith (not the church itself) be against the "struggle" of the working class? It teaches people of any socio-economic status how to be successful in life.
Can anyone provide a good answer to this question? I am already familiar with the "Liberation Theology" and that's not what I'm looking for.
2007-06-17 17:27:02 · 13 answers · asked by chrstnwrtr 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's my understanding from listening to my husband, who is a professor, that communistic ideology actually replaces all religion. Communism requires people to be loyal first and foremost to the state. In communism, there is no god - but the state is to be preeminant in all thoughts, words, and deeds. Everything is from the state, for the state, and about the state.
2007-06-17 17:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by Lacey G 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The early church had a form of communism. Maybe you could call it 'pure' communism. The Bible says that the people 'shared all things in common', and would sell everything they owned would lay it before the Apostle's feet.
This would be distributed to all according to 'those who had need, so that all had equal.'
There were many religious communities in the States that were based on this form of communism. Most died out. I am not sure if any still exist today.
The Godless form of communism will never succeed because it is not based on humility. Stalin was referred to as 'The Boss' by his minions.This is because he watched all the Chicago gangster movies in the 20s and early 30s, and modeled him regime after them. Ruthless. Cut throat. Lording it over the masses, and taking from them. They starve while the leaders live in luxury. Look at Communist North Korea. The people are encouraged to eat GRASS. I doubt if Kim Jong IL missed a day without meat.
Go to the Christian form of communism practiced by the early church, and the leaders are the ones who are serving the people.
Also, Godless communism has classes of people. Leaders, and minions. The early Christian church showed all as being equal. Women were in the church. Some women were elders in the church. Former prostitutes were accepted. Non-Jews were accepted into the church. Slave and master were EQUAL in the eyes of God and the church. "masters, treat your slaves well, for you have a master in heaven". People were encouraged to love slaves like God loves them. This was unheard of in ancient times. slaves were property, nothing more.
This is the reason that Godless communism is against Christianity. It is not because Christianity makes people 'not equal', but the opposite.
In godless communism, communism is God. Bow, kneel, obey.
2007-06-18 01:22:44 · answer #2 · answered by fortheimperium2003 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the New Testament we find something which looks like Communisim. Acts tells us that the early Christians shared their possessions. They did this because they believed that it is a Christian thing to share. They did this voluntarily.
There was an early Socialism which claimed to be Christian, but Communism came from a different background. Communism came from an atheisitic, materialistic background, and it attempted to force equality on everyone. The reality was that 'some were more equal than others' and that is a problem which Communisim still faces.
Communism is not possible in the kind of free society which allows people of every background to give of their best.
Malcolm, theology_talk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
2007-06-17 23:43:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
first communists have traditionally seen clergy as part of the establishment that "oppresses and manipulates the workers"
As such the main target is usually the clergy of any religion and the theology is attacked indirectly as supporting the clergy.
Additionally Communism is often viewed as more than simply a political view, but as a all encompassing view of society and social order. As such a communist must have full loyalty to the party and its social engineering. Considering that Religion subscribes loyalty to a deity and tenets it is seen as being disloyal to the party, and as such a true communist can not be a member of a religion.
2007-06-17 17:32:51 · answer #4 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Marx believed that faith replaced into the 'opiate of the a lot' and had little tolerance for it. people who profess to be followers of him are additionally below the perception that an excellent communist is an atheist. Cuba isn't completely with out faith, and that they might't be persecuted too plenty there, there is an Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino.
2016-11-25 19:56:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity teaches that God is the ultimate authority and Communism teaches that the State is the ultimate authority. Dictators who live in luxury while they hide under the guise of striving for the "working class" cannot have any holes in their armour that would allow people to question them about their policies.
2007-06-17 17:34:07 · answer #6 · answered by Martin S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very simple- freedom. Communists is too demanding in telling someone how to live based on what another man says- that in itself is anti-Christian.
2007-06-17 20:14:32 · answer #7 · answered by jesusisking51 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It was basically attempt to put "The State" as supreme power and to have nothing including spiritual beliefs before the State.
2007-06-17 17:33:12 · answer #8 · answered by Fluffy Wisdom 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Different denominations produce social schism, fanatic religions view science as witchcraft or the church undermines the policies of the state. take your pick.
2007-06-17 17:32:32 · answer #9 · answered by King Rao 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because Communism says that all people are equal and should be the same. Having religion would make people different and perhaps, unequal.
2007-06-17 17:31:40 · answer #10 · answered by Kate 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋