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Comparing Marx's Ideals Of Communism And The Catholic Church

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Marxism’s ideal of communism is similar to ideals presented in the Bible. For example, the community of believers in Acts shared all things in common, giving to the poor and sharing meals together. The early church is described as a harmonious community in which the good of the individual is aligned with the good of the group. By caring for the people around us, we are also fulfilling God’s will. God’s inspiration to love as he loves us will encourage a spirit of community and giving. The Catholic principle of the common good means that the needs of the individual do not negatively affect the needs of the community, and vice versa. So even within a community, individuals should be respected for their unique gifts. In 1 Corinthians, 12:25-26, …show more content…

Everyone who loves has been born. of God and knows God… because God is love.” Since God is love, when we love others as well as loving God himself, we gain a better understanding of God's nature, which fulfils the purpose of life which is to know God. “By love, God has revealed himself and given himself to man. He has thus provided the definitive, superabundant answer to the questions that man asks himself about the meaning and purpose of his life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, para. 68, 1257) The meaning of life, which we discover guided by both the law and the Holy Spirit, can be best summarised in the act of love. Loving God and loving others leads us to know and best obey God. All that is done in love is good, as when we love, we are able to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others, just like the selfless ideal presented in Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. “By sending his only Son…God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, para. 221, 1257) Jesus’ sacrifice also helps us to understand God’s unconditional (agape) love for us, understood by our own imitation of agape …show more content…

Both Marxism and Catholicism define the meaning of life by an ideal relationship that we have with other people. Catholics believe that human nature is defined by God who created us according to his likeness. Humans are created to be in communion with God. In order to best know and obey God in this relationship, Catholics must live selflessly loving others. For Catholics, living in a selfless, loving community and dedicating their life’s purpose to God is difficult in secular societies. As a result, there has been a history of religious orders which seek to achieve this on a smaller level, which is ironic as Catholics believe that in order to best spread the gospel, one must live within greater society. Marxists believe in an egalitarian societal structure in which all can freely produce for the good of the community. Marx believed that his philosophy was not idealistic, and yet communism has failed to be realised according to Marx’s predictions due to the continued individualistic characteristics of humans. Those who have gained power may not be able to let go of their positions in order to move from a socialist to communist society, in which all would be equal. Both Marxism and Catholicism have flaws in how they are applied, as it is important for everyone to hold the same beliefs and goals in common. In order to realise an ideal

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