Does religion has a part in the struggle for socia

[Ramachandra]

Does religion has a part in the struggle for socialism?
Though there are ideological differences between religion and marxism,Though many religious establishments oppose socialist struggles some elements of religion can practically use to attract the masses for the strugggle.Though We like or not many communities especially in the east are based on religion.Though religions are idealist some concepts of them directly has connection with communist concepts.I dont know wether you have heard about Buddhism?Concepts like social equality ,justice has a great value in buddhist phylosophy.In my country (Sri lanka) the buddhist monks are in the front of the struggle for socialism and the revolution.Dos'nt this make any sense?

[Kwisatz Haderach]

Can religion play a part in the struggle for socialism? Yes, it most certainly can (and in some places it has done so quite recently - Latin America with its liberation theology comes to mind).

Unfortunately, you will find that many comrades around here are hostile to that idea.

[Comrada J]

True and I'll be the first to admit it; I honestly cant see how any group that believes in concepts like good and evil or supernatural beings has a place in the revolution.

However I have no problem when it comes to religions that have more of a focus on respecting nature rather then an all powerful God, such as Buddhism for example. But whatever your opinion on religious folk its defiantly not a demographic we can afford to alienate.

[Raúl Duke]

There are social struggles around the world being done by people who are religious (and a few who are not religious).

In other words, religious people can "make revolution". Saying otherwise is kinda odd...

Even religions have formed their more radical branches, such as the Liberation Theology. (although I'm not that knowledgeable in this and can't be sure if they are truly radical.)

But in Marxism, one must be a materialist to be a consistent Marxist.

Anarchism, unfortunately in my opinion, is more open to religion.

Also, other forms of socialism and communism are directly religious as well.

The crux I suppose, is to balance against alienating this demographic and yet still be consistent/uncompromising to our critiques towards religion.

[Janus]

Does religion has a part in the struggle for socialism?
No, religion itself does not but certain religious people/figures can.


Concepts like social equality ,justice has a great value in buddhist phylosophy.In my country (Sri lanka) the buddhist monks are in the front of the struggle for socialism and the revolution.
Religion, by its very nature, rejects the temporal and secular life. Buddhism is no different, its core tenets focus on personal development and isolating the mind from societal problems.

As for the Sri Lankan Buddhism, it seems to be strongly connected to nationalist sentiments particularly against the Tamils rather than anything revolutionary.