Is East Asian Marxism a religion?

[charles brough]

What is ludicrously mislabeled "communism" in East Asia (East Asian Marxism) is academically termed (at times) a "secular religion." Is that an oxymoron? Sure is, yet it makes sense. Just because Marx and Marxists believe "religion is the opiate of the people" is no guarantee they their "ism" "cause," or "movement" is not also a religion. It all hinges on whether it is the form of a religion's beliefs or the beliefs themselves that determines what is and is not a religion.

And can "secular" beliefs or our own secular belief system (Secular Humanism) be a religion. What is the difference?

[shadron]

Ahhhhhh.... Bait and switch....

[plumjam]

They should privatise Marxism, really. Sub-contract the proletariat to supplant the bourgeoisie.

[Hokulele]

Cult of personality, anyone?

[Foster Zygote]

What is ludicrously mislabeled "communism" in East Asia (East Asian Marxism) is academically termed (at times) a "secular religion." Is that an oxymoron? Sure is, yet it makes sense. Just because Marx and Marxists believe "religion is the opiate of the people" is no guarantee they their "ism" "cause," or "movement" is not also a religion. It all hinges on whether it is the form of a religion's beliefs or the beliefs themselves that determines what is and is not a religion.
It's not just East Asia. Communism, as defined by Stalin, provided all the elements of religion.

And actually Karl Marx is not really responsible for Marxism. In response to the 19th century Marxists in France he stated "I am not a Marxist". He was an economist, not a revolutionary. He did not create, and was actually opposed to, the ideology bearing his name.

And can "secular" beliefs or our own secular belief system (Secular Humanism) be a religion. What is the difference?
Presently, a lack of gods (Earthly or otherwise), ritual liturgy, priesthood, sacred truths, myths, etc.

[Beerina]

It's not just East Asia. Communism, as defined by Stalin, provided all the elements of religion.

And actually Karl Marx is not really responsible for Marxism. In response to the 19th century Marxists in France he stated "I am not a Marxist". He was an economist, not a revolutionary. He did not create, and was actually opposed to, the ideology bearing his name.

Interesting. Power hunger in humans turned it into a more successful meme with the addition of the "force it down everyone's throat" facet?

Which occurs to me might be best described as a meta-meme: "force it down everyone's throat, whether they want it or not, because it is good for them" adds flavor and sexiness to any nascent, growing meme! Add it to yours today! It, itself, spreads faster than more bloated memes, becoming a part of many of them.

It's the energizing mitochondria of memes!

[charles brough]

actually Karl Marx is not really responsible for Marxism. In response to the 19th century Marxists in France he stated "I am not a Marxist". He was an economist, not a revolutionary. He did not create, and was actually opposed to, the ideology bearing his name.

That us accurate in the sense that Jesus was not responsible for Christianity. (The old faith was re-made by Paul and Peter merely from a few ideas of what the Old Testament stated the "savior" would have to be like).

Every since the collapse of Bolshivism, Marxist scholars have tried to distance themselves from the failed system, but there is no way to deny that much of the Bolshivic system came from and was modified by Lenin, Trotsky and others. It evolved in ways that were necessary in order to implement Marx's ideals and way of thinking. It evolved from the ideas of Marx just like all religions evolve to fit the need. It was not "communism" but only idealized communal living. It is properly called "Marxism." Now, the same system is capitalistic and in East Asia.