I do think that the communist project need not require religion, that should be uncontroversial to say.
I do think that religion however, needs materialist analysis. I am utterly convinced that religion can, has been, and ought to be used for revolutionary impetus, geopolitical positioning, and even ethical reasoning. On the last point, I feel it to be necessary (and quite obvious?) That without a materialist analysis, you cant even begin to understand what is just or unjust. But because religion has historically been weaponized and consequently insulated, it has created a rather static ontology that is impervious to practical material synthesis. This is more a critique I have with fellow muslims, so ill digress on this.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that materially islam has occupied a peculiar position with the advent of capitalism. It has almost always (with the exception of Saudi once wahabbism gained prominence) been the target of neo-colonial, imperialist tendencies. Hence secularism and other western practices has been viewed with suspicion by colonial subjects. If a Muslim country has decided on a secular governance, that ought to be their right. However for many the anti-imperialist project is exactly the fight for reclaiming and reaffirming their religious and historical identity as colonial subjects. Such was the case for algeria. But this is theory I pull from Frantz Fanon so feel free to disagree.
Of course, and thanks for engaging! I do agree with your point about personal spiritual revolution (for religious communists) being a requirement for a collective material revolution, though obviously this looks different for each believer.
My interpretation mainly stems from the fact that Christianity has been wielded as a tool of oppression so many times across history, to the point where I believe it should be purely personal.
I liked your note about connection through a shared community/identity as well, and it’s frankly not something while writing this specific piece. I often voice concerns about Western-led Christian missionary work in so-called “third-world countries,” as there is often some sort of paternalization at play due to race/ethnicity and class dynamics.
I see your point, though I’m not sure I agree with how you’ve extrapolated monarchy to apply to socialism, nor the passage itself to anarchism. Verses 14-15 emphasize that this redistribution is not to the general populace, but to other members of the upper/ruling class.
I’ll note as well that most sects of modern Christianity, while still considering the Old Testament, typically use the New Testament to dictate how one should live. Oftentimes churches take inspiration from the Early Church, which is why that was what I referenced.
I do think that the communist project need not require religion, that should be uncontroversial to say.
I do think that religion however, needs materialist analysis. I am utterly convinced that religion can, has been, and ought to be used for revolutionary impetus, geopolitical positioning, and even ethical reasoning. On the last point, I feel it to be necessary (and quite obvious?) That without a materialist analysis, you cant even begin to understand what is just or unjust. But because religion has historically been weaponized and consequently insulated, it has created a rather static ontology that is impervious to practical material synthesis. This is more a critique I have with fellow muslims, so ill digress on this.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that materially islam has occupied a peculiar position with the advent of capitalism. It has almost always (with the exception of Saudi once wahabbism gained prominence) been the target of neo-colonial, imperialist tendencies. Hence secularism and other western practices has been viewed with suspicion by colonial subjects. If a Muslim country has decided on a secular governance, that ought to be their right. However for many the anti-imperialist project is exactly the fight for reclaiming and reaffirming their religious and historical identity as colonial subjects. Such was the case for algeria. But this is theory I pull from Frantz Fanon so feel free to disagree.
Good read though 👌
Interesting piece, I don't entirely disagree with it but I did quote repost with my comments. Also thank you for mentioning my resource list.
Of course, and thanks for engaging! I do agree with your point about personal spiritual revolution (for religious communists) being a requirement for a collective material revolution, though obviously this looks different for each believer.
My interpretation mainly stems from the fact that Christianity has been wielded as a tool of oppression so many times across history, to the point where I believe it should be purely personal.
I liked your note about connection through a shared community/identity as well, and it’s frankly not something while writing this specific piece. I often voice concerns about Western-led Christian missionary work in so-called “third-world countries,” as there is often some sort of paternalization at play due to race/ethnicity and class dynamics.
I see your point, though I’m not sure I agree with how you’ve extrapolated monarchy to apply to socialism, nor the passage itself to anarchism. Verses 14-15 emphasize that this redistribution is not to the general populace, but to other members of the upper/ruling class.
I’ll note as well that most sects of modern Christianity, while still considering the Old Testament, typically use the New Testament to dictate how one should live. Oftentimes churches take inspiration from the Early Church, which is why that was what I referenced.
Unfortunately this isn’t my expertise either as I primarily study Christian theology, but I do know that Khamenei’s stance against the possession/use of nuclear weapons was based in Islamic law (see https://english.khamenei.ir/news/8398/Religious-and-political-aspects-of-the-ban-on-building-nuclear)