Marxism-Leninism and Christianity: communalization of property, ethics, and justice

Abstract

This article conducts a historical-theological analysis of compatibility of the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism with Christianity. The relevance of this question is substantiated by the ongoing polemics on the subject matter, which is directly related to the social structure. The historical-theological aspects are examined on the basis of critical study of the historical-philosophical works and historical documents on the topic. An attempt is made of systemic analysis of the subject under review. Three questions are examined: communalization of property, ethics, and justice. For comprehensive examination of this topic, the author provides the views of the opposing sides, texts of the Holy Scripture, and opinions of the Fathers of Orthodox Church. The novelty is defined by the fact that this article is first to examine certain documents the context of the indicated problem. The author also presents a more in-depth historical-theological analysis of the comparison of Marxism-Leninism and Orthodox Christianity, of compared to other existing research. The goal consists in consideration of the historical documents and historical-theological works on the topic. The conclusion is made that despite seeming similarity of certain provisions, Marxism-Leninism is incompatible with Christianity. From the theoretical perspective, socialism, in case of eliminating all contradictions, could have exist in symbiosis with Christianity. However, by no means such socialism would be founded on Marxism-Leninism.