Edwin Stößinger Zur Theologiekritik im Marxismus

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The criticism of theology was an important element in Marxist literature from the beginning. The subject of this criticism were not only contents in the world religions, but also, for example, theological statements in works of philosophers. Until the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, the pool of these sources continued to grow. So far, there is no overview of developments, goals and methods within this field of activity.

In this respect, this monograph is to be understood as an essential exploration. In it, theology-critical positions of Marxist authors are compiled and commented on without claiming to be exhaustive. A large number of arguments were worked out.

A core objection formulated as a question was: Is theology a science at all? Despite the often negative answer, many critics continued to deal with theological detailed questions in a specified manner. The criteria used by them are shown. In the style of the disputes, there were also quite balanced judgments. Even Marx, as an enemy of the priests (“Pfaffenfeind”) sometimes praised a respectable lifestyle and certain cognitions of some theologians.

Marxist theology critics, especially at the beginning, aimed to completely defeat theology and religion. Later, an option was added to cooperate with theologians on the factual level if necessary. They did not achieve a victory over theology and religion. On the contrary, religious communities can apparently be judged as the winning party after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc. But this impression is deceptive. Rather, a stalemate can still be assumed at the ideological level.

Marxist critics as opponents of theologians have almost completely disappeared. But their theology-critical arguments are by no means finished. Dealing with the contents of Marxist theological criticism can still serve to sharpen ideological self-reflection, be it from a theological or philosophical perspective.