I see the quote “religion is the opium of the people” from Marxists a lot. As a Christian, I see my religion as very compatible with communism as a concept.
So, is it really still a common belief that religion and communism are mutually exclusive, and for a working communist society religion needs to be eradicated?
– Anonymous, Sussex
It is a common misconception that communists think religion needs to be eradicated.
Taken in its context, Marx’s quote that “religion is the opium of the people” is not a call for the suppression of religion. It is an explanation for the roots of religion in class society:
“Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.”
Communists understand that many people turn towards religion to cope with the pressures of daily life. It can offer comfort, answers, and a sense of sanctuary.
We don’t aim to force everyone to become atheist; we aim to end the suffering and alienation caused by capitalism and class society.
It is true that some religious teachings can sound similar to socialist ideas. There are calls for a fairer society, for more humane relations between people, and some even point the finger directly at the poisonous role played by the rich and powerful against this goal.
However, in his pamphlet Socialism and Religion, Lenin explained that religion is also used as a tool by the ruling class to justify its rule.
Religion teaches the poor, exploited, and oppressed to be patient and submissive – to put up with the misery they experience on Earth, as they will have a place in Heaven. Conveniently, capitalists just need to give a portion of their riches to charity to secure themselves the same place!
Marxists are materialists. This means we understand that our ideas are a reflection of the material world and shaped by the society we live in – which is something that we can study and understand scientifically.
Religion, on the other hand, is idealist. It sees the material world as a reflection of the world of ideas. Things like the development of nature and human society are understood as steps in God’s plan; what is right or wrong is guided by God’s hand.
We do not demand atheism as an entry ticket to the movement. Lenin said that even though they might be influenced by religion, the revolutionary party should organise workers who want to fight capitalism and educate them in the spirit of the communists’ programme.
Under socialism, there would be a complete separation between church and state. This means no connection between religious groups and government; no religious moral codes written into law; religious texts should not be taught in schools as the truth; and so on.
Religion would not be forcibly eradicated, however. Religious belief is a private matter – no one should be prevented from practicing their religion, nor should any discrimination against anyone on the basis of their religion be accepted.
However, religion can have no role in the programme of a revolutionary party. This must be based entirely on a scientific and materialist outlook if we want to truly understand the processes taking place around us.
With this understanding, we can unite the whole working class – of all faiths and none – in the struggle against capitalism and for a paradise in this world.
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