• Zoboomafoo@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    9 days ago

    I think Marx’s stance on religion is the greatest factor that has prevented communism from widespread acceptance. Religious communes have been operating for centuries, and (as shown by the OP), their morals align very well. Christians should have been Marx’s greatest allies, but instead he chose hard-line atheism.

    • MacN'Cheezus@lemmy.today
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      9 days ago

      That, and his stance that the use of violence is not only permissible, but necessary in order for the revolution to succeed.

      Christian ethics are essentially voluntarist in nature; Jesus spent a lot of time trying to convince people to set aside their differences and work together, but ultimately he leaves it up to everyone’s free will.

      Marx thought that he could shortcut this whole process by simply forcing everyone to participate, and that’s where he departed from Christianity. “All who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52) was not part of his philosophy.