Marxism and Religion Essay -- Essays Papers

Marxism and Religion Throughout Karl Marx’s life he was not thought to be anything special, just a regular working man, but in reality Marx was a â€Å"philosopher, a journalist, an economist, a historian, and a moralist.†[1] Even with all of this hard work most people did not think that he would amount to much. Little did most of the people who lived during Marx’s lifetime know how big of an impact he would have on the world within the next century. Karl Marx, the philosopher, had to have one of the biggest impacts on the world to this day. Marx’s most well known following came from the Communist nation the Soviet Union. The Soviets believed in all of his philosophical writing and thoughts of religion. Not only did people back then believe him, but also his teachings are studied and followed by many people today. Karl Marx’s basic idea of religion is that there is â€Å"no need to deal extensively with religious phenomena.†[2] Karl Marx felt that there was nothing to be â€Å"distinguished between religious belief and superstition.†[3] In Marx’s writings and teaching he has a sort of war with different religions who disagree with his teachings. In Marxist teaching there are many levels in which debate occurs between Marxism and religion, such as, individually, within the family atmosphere, and in society at a national and international level. At an individual level there are many arguments that Marxism has for religion and vice versa. A very dominant principle of Marxism is that â€Å"the Communist can recognize no religion except his anti-religious doctrine.†[4] Any religion would recognize this to be one of the most offensive statements ever. It is obvious for anyone to see right away why ... ...d most, if not all, religious beliefs are not harmonious with the Marxist science.[13] Also, there are many different problems that occur within the different levels that have been discussed here. The major problem that religious believers have with Marxists is the Marxist idea that Communism is above God. There is not now, nor will any religion ever bow down to a government, because of their strong belief of God as a Supreme Being. While there are a few goals of Marxism and religion that are the same there is no way in which one has room for the other, because of the means of attaining these goals are so different. Marxism and religion will always have to be separate because they both have such strong ideas that they will not let go of and different ways of attaining their goals, but they will both continue to exist because of the varied beliefs of individuals.