I am not disputing the reasons the Soviet Union imploded! I have simply stated the obvious - if things had been different then the outcome would also be different! It may have imploded anyway - we will never know?
I donât know all the political views of all the religious leaders that have existed since the inception of Marxism but, I suspect their have been a few Marxists among them? If, there are only a few does that say something about Marxist theory or religious leaders - en masse?
Jesus may have been a âMarxistâ if he was born at a later date - who knows? He seemed to have a few subversive ideas that got him in trouble with the religious leaders of the day. These pious religious leaders seemed to have a close relationship with the Romans and, they were extremely violent imperialists.
I donât think we can use ânumbers of adherentsâ as a valid criterion to determine the value of Marxist theory or the quality of religious leadership - in general? Correlation does not prove causation!
The liberation theology that originated in South America incorporated Marxist ideas! I also have some appreciation for their approach to theology and their religious and social ideals.
Their theology seems to have been a reaction to gross inequality and the exploitation of desperately poor communities. A similar dynamic accounts for the popularity of Marxist ideas in some parts of India.
Liberation theology was a clerical reaction to the unjust treatment of Catholic peasants by the ruling elite. It was a good antidote to fascist tendencies that have caused the death of many innocent civilians in South American societies - often with support from the USA!
Liberation theology was championed by religious leaders of some consequence. Does that answer your question?
The Catholic religious leaders in South America who created âliberation theologyâ were prominent religious figures. The Pope new who they were as did the many poor and oppressed Catholic peasants they helped in various ways.
The fact that there are few religious leaders who are Marxists - assuming this is true - does not say anything meaningful about the Dalai Lama. There are quite a few religious leaders who are not atheists. Does that mean that belief in an all-powerful Deity is a âgood ideaâ?
Do you think a good idea is determined by its degree of popularity? Think it through!
Regarding your comments about poverty and starvation in the former Soviet Union: the Marxist reforms in Kerala have increased the wealth of impoverished (and hungry) people, increased the (private) ownership of land and property and, educated people - mostly women - who had next to no access to formal education. They also created a âsocial securityâ safety-net!
I cannot see how any of these democratic Marxist initiatives are regrettable? Especially, with regard to the desperately poor people we find in India! I cannot see how the Dalai Lama or, any reasonable person, could fail to be impressed by the policy outcomes of the democratic Marxists in Kerala?