In order for the masses to achieve happiness, more is needed than the overthrow of capitalism. Marx writes:
The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of man is a requisite for their real happiness. The call to abandon their illusions about their conditions is a call to abandon a condition which requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, the criticism of this vale of tears of which religion is the halo.
Allegedly, Marx was antireligious because religion obstructs the fulfilment of the Communist ideal, which he considered the only answer to the worlds problems.
This is how Marxists explain their position, and sadly there are clergymen who explain it in the same way. Rev Oestreicher of Britain said in a sermon:
Communism, whatever its present varied forms of expression, both good and bad, is in origin a movement for the emancipation of man from exploitation by his fellowman. Sociologically, the Church was and largely still is on the side of the world’s exploiters. Karl Marx, whose theories only thinly veil a passion for justice and brotherhood that has its roots in the Hebrew prophets, loathed religion because it was used as an instrument to perpetuate a status quo in which children were slaves and worked to death in order to make others rich here in Britain. It was no cheap jibe a hundred years ago to say that religion was the opium of the masses… As members of the body of Christ we must come in simple penitence knowing that we owe a deep debt to every Communist.
Marxism makes an impression on people’s thinking because of its success, but success proves nothing. Witch doctors often succeed too. Success confirms error as well as truth. Conversely, failure can be constructive, opening the way to deeper truth. So an analysis of some of Marx’s works should be made without regard to their success.
Who was Marx? In his early youth, Karl Marx professed to be and lived as a Christian. His first written work is called The Union o f the Faithful with Christ. There we read these beautiful words:
Through love of Christ we turn our hearts at the same time toward our brethren who are inwardly bound to us and for whom He gave Himself in sacrifice.
Marx knew a way for men to become loving brethren toward one another- Christianity.
He continues:
Union with Christ could give an inner elevation, comfort in sorrow, calm trust, and a heart susceptible to human love, to everything noble and great, not for the sake of ambition and glory, but only for the sake of Christ.
At approximately the same time Marx writes in his thesis Considerations o f a Young Man on Choosing His Career:
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