I wanted to learn more about the intersection between religious and communism. I’ve heard some stuff, but it was mostly from the Christian perspective (liberation theology), so I was hoping to hear more views.
I could probably rustle up some answers for you, but they’d be from a less communist more general anti-capitalist view
Fine by me!
From an intro to a book on modern druids (what I consider my self)
“We (Druids) therefore recognize that our individuality is only an illusion, or a temporary state while we are in physical bodies. We are therefore not subordinate to anyone or anything, but rather interdependent upon each other. We recognize that if one person hurts, everyone hurts, if one person is homeless, everyone is affected by that state, that the good of the many outweighs the good of the few. So certain political philosophies, such as libertarianism, are anathema to us. Selfishness is the greatest evil there is. We really are our brothers keeper as he is ours."
I think that quote probably captures how a lot of us feel. Capitalism is in direct contradiction to that way of thinking. If we feel that all people are equals, all deserving of respect and compassion then the exploitation and suffering caused by the capitalist class, squeezing every bit of value out of the workers and leaving us as little as possible, must be opposed by us. Druidism is an anarchist philosophy.
Cool stuff! Thanks for the response.
If you want to get more into the topic or have other questions I’m happy to talk.
I’m not pagan myself, but I’ve read a bit of these theories based in historical materialist perspectives. I’m curious to see more of this perspective from pagans as well.
Im more into santería end, i basically apply liberation theology and anti colonialism to my spiritualism
Personally my religious beliefs are far more influenced by Marxism than vice versa. Usually when I think of something religious I’ll try to analyze it from a Materialist perspective to better inform my beliefs to match my understanding of reality. Of course that goes both ways, and I try to connect my faith to my political beliefs as well, it’s just much stronger in the other direction.
I guess I’m more open to accepting religion than atheist MLs, but I think most religious communists will feel the same way so that’s not unique to Paganism. One aspect that I do lean on Heathenry much more heavily is in how I conceive of the universe as a whole, and how it functions, and how human life is shaped by it as a material thing; but that’s stuff that largely falls in the realm of metaphysics so of course my religious beliefs will take primacy there. Determinism is a good example where I think Marxism and Heathenry meld together well. A big part of why I believe Determinism is true is because of my religious beliefs, and my understanding of Materialism has only strengthened that.
