Why Karl Marx Was Right…Sort of

I often thought Karl Marx didn't need to be pegged as this great villain as many of us "Democrats" tend to view him, really his only fault was putting too much faith in mankind.  I find it rather interesting that a religious community (the early church) was the only community that seems to successfully create the socialist vision that Marx had in mind considering he pegged religion as the villain that stopped fair socialist living from taking place. Forgive the awkward wording, but the basic premise of Marx's view on religion is correct, as an over-simplification. Anyways, as I thought about the historical context for most relationships between government and religion I began to see why Karl Marx saw things the way he did. If one was to view religion (particularly but no solely Christianity) from the angle of social commentary then one would conclude that religion is little more than a tool used by the government to control/persuade its citizens to come on board the ship and set sail.

Much of what I wish to say would simply be repeated and probably wasted breath (or finger energy). So I will conclude with this…Christianity began as, and I believe was meant to me, in conflict with political structures. Yes the bible is clear that the Body of Christ is to coincide with and largely work within the context of political powers, but this is more to combat terrorism (the Jews had their zealots) more than it is a stamp of approval to water down the gospel so that it will fit a democratic political structure. Jesus died a political death because of his political impact. He scared the powers that be, as did the early church. It is sad that today's Church couldn't make a 99 year old atheist politician the slightest bit uneasy, even if its life depended on it.