“Ascent is made from earth to heaven”: Marx, Engels and religion - doi: 10.4025/actascihumansoc.v35i1.17256

Abstract

The frequently controversial relationship between Marxism and Religion, especially with Christianity, is discussed in current article. A detailed study of Marx´s early works, from 1841 to 1848, the year of the publication of the Communist Manifesto is required for the specific analysis of Marxist thinking on religion. The latter is actually the author´s philosophical genesis (derived from Hegel and Feuerbach) rather than as an economist. Other works by Friedrich Engels addressing the religious phenomenon will also be discussed. The development of ‘historical materialism’ in the 20^th century, coupled to their orthodox and heterodox stance, their affinities, similarities and breaks with the Catholic Clergy will be investigated. Finally, the comprehension of practice in its specific example, the Liberation Theology in Latin America, will be endeavored. There are no claims for a theoretical or philosophical discussion of Historical Materialism and Idealism or other metaphysical abstractions, but historical, social and political factors that produce the theme.