I have
seen numerous references to Marxism and Marxist ideas, lately, in the news and
online. Marxism is an economic and political theory, based on the writings of
Karl Marx, although in many respects it is a worldview that goes beyond
economics and political theory. As a “worldview” Marxism holds, as true, a
number of important and wide-ranging ideas about the nature of reality.
Because
of what I have seen and heard lately I have felt led to share some thoughts
about Marxism. In particular, I am concerned about Christians and their
understanding, or in some cases their embrace, of Marxism. This is not
something I would normally talk about or write about but, as I mentioned
earlier, I honestly feel led to do so.
Marxism
and Christianity are two fundamentally different views of reality. The previous
sentence is critical when it comes to the basic point I am trying to make. Not
only are Marxism and Christianity different views of reality they are,
ultimately, incompatible worldviews.
Marxism
holds a materialistic view of the world. Materialism involves the idea that
matter is, ultimately, all that actually exists. Materialism is “a theory that
physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and
processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of
matter.” [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
In an
article titled, Marxism and Religion, Marxist Alan Woods writes, “Marxists
stand on the basis of philosophical materialism, which rules out the existence
of any supernatural entity, or anything outside or ‘above’ nature. There is, in
fact, no need for any such explanation for life and the universe - least of all
today.” [From the article, Marxism and Religion, Website: In Defense of
Marxism, Marxist.com]
Christianity,
on the other hand, holds that there is a God who is the creator and Lord of
everything that exists. “In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1]
I won’t
go into a long list of theological statements about God and who He is but
belief in this God and His existence involves a worldview that is not logically
consistent with materialism. The truth of God would indicate that, in fact,
there is something more than just the material world.
These few
verses from the book of Psalms give an indication of a God who is above and
beyond the material world: “The Lord is exalted over all the
nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the
heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:4-6
It is my sincere
desire to write some thoughts here which people would actually take a moment to
read (I’m hoping it’s not already too late for that) so I will try to keep this
as simple and brief as possible.
The
Marxist who correctly understands the real objective of Marxism knows that
their highest allegiance must be to the establishment of socialism/communism.
“The aim
of Marxists is to fight for the socialist transformation of society on a
national and international scale.” Alan Woods, from the article, Marxism and
Religion
So the
Marxist will tolerate religious believers who come on board to join in the
fight against capitalism but, ultimately, the pursuit of the utopian world,
which is the promise of socialism/communism—the Marxist ideals—is the first
allegiance of the Marxist.
I quote
again from the article “Marxism and Religion” by Alan Woods:
“Very often a worker
who is still a believer [in God] approaches the movement [Marxism], convinced
of its general programme and eager to fight for socialism, but unwilling to
renounce religion. What attitude should we take? Certainly not to push him
away. Such a worker does not wish to join the movement in order to win converts
to religion, but to fight capitalism. Probably, in time he will see the
contradiction between his political and religious beliefs and gradually abandon
religion. But the question is a delicate one and should not be pushed.”
Notice
that the Marxist writer quoted above, Alan Woods, is in agreement with one of
the basic points of this article. Woods understands that Marxism and religion
(Christianity, in my case) hold contradictory beliefs.
Karl Marx
wrote:
“The
abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for
their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their
condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions.”
In Marx’s
view religion needed to be abolished in order for people to experience “real
happiness.”
So again,
the primary allegiance of the Marxist is to the establishment of the Marxist
ideals through socialism/communism.
I have a
feeling that you know to whom the highest allegiance of the Christian must be
given but for the sake of clarity I will write it, anyhow: To the Lord.
“If you
can’t be brilliant, at least try to be clear.” [Quote from little-known pastor/philosopher,
Dan Marler]
Here is a
truth, I think, everyone can agree with: People cannot maintain a primary
allegiance to two entities or pursuits. One of the allegiances will ultimately
win out over the other one. This is especially true when the entities or
pursuits are logically incompatible.
So for the
person who aspires to be a Christian Marxist, at some point, this question will
force itself: Do you choose your Christian faith or do you choose Marxism? Both
worldviews cannot be consistently held and lived by a reasonable person.
By the
way, the Christian who understands the genuine implications of his or her faith
also understands that allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ must come before
everything else. Everything.
“Christ
is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was
created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created
everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can
see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and
authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for
him.”
Colossians
1:15-16
For the
follower of Christ the devotion of our hearts and our primary allegiance must
be to the Lord.
I have
other reasons for not endorsing or embracing Marxism. I believe, for example,
that it holds an incorrect view of human nature. However, I am providing here
the issue that would be the main objection to Marxism, for me. My primary
allegiance is to the Lord and not to any other worldview.
It is not
my intention to stir up trouble or to start mean-spirited arguments. In fact, I
hope that does not happen with this post. As I stated at the beginning of the
piece, I am writing because I feel led—out of a heart of pastoral concern—to
attempt to clearly, respectfully state a position on this matter for those who
are followers of Jesus.
Love and blessings
to all,
Dan
Marler
Oak Lawn,
IL
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