Essay --

Marxism and Christianity are two influential doctrines which have shaped our world in profound ways. While they differ on certain fronts, one cannot help but wonder that if there were some way that the two could coexist, that their synthesis could change the course of humanity inevitably. This discussion will be divided into two sections. The first one will be a brief summary and critique of Karl Marx’s rejection of religion, Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right. By dissecting this piece, it is hoped that we may cast doubt on its effectiveness; in the process of rejecting religion, Marx may have excluded many potential supporters from his revolutionary cause. As well, an attempt will be made to propose that atheism should no longer be a necessary central tenet of Marxism. The second section will be concerned with providing evidence of both early and contemporary Christian teachings which mirror Marxist principles. Finally, our discussion will turn briefly to Liberation Theology to confirm that Marxist and Christian schools can, and do converge. By pursuing these ends, this analysis will show that, at a fundamental level, Christianity shares many core principles with Marxism, and as such, Marxists are misguided in their dogmati c and mechanical rejection of religion and more specifically, of Christianity. For Marxists to realise their goal of a classless society that is based upon equality and justice, they must be more inclusive and allow those who practice religion, especially Christians who share similar aims, into their revolutionary dialogue. In his criticism of Hegel’s Idealism, Marx asserts that religious devotion represents a, â€Å"reversed world consciousness† , the result of wh... ... that both Marxists and Christians are concerned with the perils of human alienation and that each doctrine’s prescription to cure its causes is similar. Finally, Liberation Theology proves that Marxist and Christian ideals can synthesise and that their intercourse has created a new and possibly revolutionary stage of human existence. Christianity and Marxism both seem to have become detached from their original aims, which were to provide a method by which humanity may achieve the best possible life; for both, this will be realised through the practice of mutual aid, equality and love. All other points of contention between them seem polemical and counter revolutionary. One 20th century Christian revolutionary wrote that, â€Å"solidarity, in spite of all divergences, is absolutely essential if a revolutionary project is to be successful.† That is indeed the case.