Critique Of Marx And Burke - 1981 Words

This essay will be arguing that Marx and Burke held heavily contrasted views in regards to the role of religion in political. The topic of religion in politics has been highly debated throughout the ages, and the viewpoints held by these two scholars is meant to exemplify the struggle of opposing political ideologies. Marx believed that religion should be abolished and entirely separated from the state, and Burke believed that church and state should remain united in governance. To support this argument the use of their books the Reflection of the Revolution in France and the Marx-Engels Reader will be referenced to provide evidence. In order to accurately compare and contrast the thoughts of these two political theorist one must first†¦show more content†¦He viewed this new and blossoming ideology flawed, and the inherent abstractness of its concepts to be something that could easily see abuse. Without a proper physical form like a constitution for the rights of man he asse rted the new society created by the revolution would quickly crumble into anarchy. He argued the tradition created from the continuity and reform of the laws since the time of their ancestors is what gave civil societies real and legitimate rights. The traditions of society allowed for it to achieve the ultimate goal of the social contract: the preservation of all of its members. The destruction of this ancestry through the abolishment of the monarchy and the separation of church and state would cause the very fabrics that held the previous society together to break apart. He also argued that through the use of violent methods to achieve the revolution they had left themselves open to usurpation from a greater military might, be it their own or a conquering force. In all aspects of life he believed tradition to be an integral part, and by extension religion was meant to be active in the political life of society by the prejudice that all men have the right to conform. Burke’s opinion on religion in the daily political life can be summarized in one quote, â€Å"We know, and what is better, we feel inwardly, that religion is the basis of civil society and the source of all good and of all comfort.(Burke)† Burke argued heavily in favor of governments having