In the annals of history, two world systems stand like towering pillars—each reaching for the heavens, each with a distinct vision of humanity’s destiny. One echoes the ambition of Babel, a unified rebellion against divine order; the other resonates with the harmony of Pentecost, where diverse voices unite in a chorus of redemption. As we dissect these systems—Communism and Christianity—our task is not to speculate on the mysteries of the afterlife but to weigh their earthly legacies in the balance of reason, data, and the unyielding measure of human rights.
The Tower of Babel and Communism: The Bitter Fruit of Unified Rebellion
The story of Babel, etched in the collective memory of civilization, is one of soaring ambition met with inevitable downfall. Humanity, intoxicated by its own ingenuity, sought to build a tower to the heavens, a monument to its self-sufficiency. But what was this tower but an edifice of pride, erected on the shaky foundation of defiance against the divine? The result was not glory, but confusion—a scattering of tongues, a fragmentation of purpose.
Communism, in its most extreme forms, mirrors this ancient tale. It is a system born of high ideals—equality, brotherhood, the abolition of all hierarchies—but, in practice, it has often produced bitter fruit. The Soviet Union, with its gulags and purges, its forced famines and ideological repression, became a Babel of its own making. Millions perished in the pursuit of a utopia that never came to pass. Mao’s China, with its Great Leap Forward, leapt not toward progress, but into the abyss, where an estimated 45 million lives were sacrificed on the altar of misguided ambition. In Cambodia, Pol Pot’s vision of a classless society led to the killing fields, where nearly a quarter of the population met a brutal end.
The lesson of Babel and Communism is stark: when humanity seeks to impose a single, all-encompassing order without regard for the individual, the result is not unity but desolation. The tower, whether of bricks or ideology, crumbles under its own weight, leaving behind a legacy of ruin.
Reflecting on the dangers of defying divine order, the words of Isaiah offer a timeless warning: “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’” (Isaiah 45:9, NLT). These words resonate with the tragic outcomes of systems like Communism that reject the divine in favor of human supremacy.
The Day of Pentecost and Christianity: The Harmony of Diversity
In contrast, the Day of Pentecost offers a vision of unity not through coercion, but through the transformative power of shared purpose. Here, the scattering of Babel is reversed. The Holy Spirit descends, and suddenly, people of different tongues and nations find themselves speaking and understanding one another. This is not the forced unity of Babel, but the harmonious diversity of a community bound together by love and a common mission. Christianity, particularly in its influence on Western civilization, has often embodied this Pentecostal vision. The abolition of slavery, a stain on humanity’s conscience, was championed by Christian reformers like William Wilberforce, who saw in the Gospel a mandate for justice and mercy. The development of human rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, echoes the Christian belief in the inherent worth of every individual, made in the image of God. Charitable work, education, and healthcare have flourished where Christian principles have taken root, leading to societies where human flourishing is not a distant dream but a tangible reality.
One of the most striking modern parallels to the Day of Pentecost is the Azusa Street Revival of 1906, a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit that broke down social barriers of race, class, and gender in a manner unparalleled in its time. Under the leadership of William J. Seymour, an African American preacher, people from all walks of life—rich and poor, men and women, blacks and whites—gathered together in unity, worshipping with a fervor that transcended the social divisions of early 20th-century America. Historical records from this revival describe scenes where racial and gender barriers fell, as people experienced a profound sense of equality and brotherhood under the power of the Holy Spirit.
This event, often referred to as a modern-day Pentecost, stands in stark contrast to the violent revolutions that sought to impose equality through force. Where Communism used the hammer and sickle to break down societal structures, often leaving behind a trail of bloodshed and destruction, the Azusa Street Revival saw walls of prejudice crumble not by human might, but by the unifying power of the Spirit. It is a living testament to how true social transformation is achieved—not through coercion, but through the radical inclusivity and love that Christianity, at its best, embodies.
The Romanticism of Revolution: From Ideals to Idolatry
There is an allure in the idea of revolution—a romanticism that speaks to the human heart's innate desire for justice, equality, and a better world. Throughout history, well-meaning individuals, driven by a sense of moral duty, have been drawn into revolutionary movements, believing they are on the side of righteousness. This passion for change, however, can become a double-edged sword.
Revolutionary ideals, once set into motion, often become ideological idols—abstract concepts elevated above the realities of human nature and society. Those who champion these causes can unwittingly become "useful idiots," a term famously attributed to Lenin, used to describe those who, with good intentions, serve the purposes of a cause that ultimately leads to their own detriment.
These individuals, captivated by the vision of a perfect society, may not see how their cause becomes hijacked by darker forces. As the revolution gains momentum, the ideals that once inspired it can be twisted into instruments of control and destruction. The revolutionary movement, once animated by a spirit of justice, can become possessed by the very forces of oppression and tyranny it sought to overthrow.
Mass movements, like those seen in the Communist revolutions, are often fueled by this romanticism of revolution. The masses are stirred, the old order is torn down, but what rises in its place is not the utopia promised, but a new regime, often more brutal than the last. The fervor of the revolutionaries, now wielded by those in power, becomes a tool of social upheaval, leading to widespread suffering and destruction.
This is the tragic irony of revolutionary movements: they begin with the highest ideals but often end in the greatest disillusionment. The revolution devours its own children, as those who once fought for justice find themselves caught in the machinery of a new tyranny, unable to recognize the monstrous form their ideals have taken.
The Subversion of Scripture: Liberation Theology and the Marxist Infusion
In Latin America, the 20th century saw the rise of Liberation Theology, a movement that sought to apply the Gospel's teachings to the social and political struggles of the poor and marginalized. While the intentions of this theology were rooted in the biblical emphasis on justice and care for the oppressed, particularly in the Lucan texts of Luke-Acts, its trajectory was dramatically altered by the infusion of Marxist ideology.
Marxist thought was eisegetically (illegitimately) mined into the Gospel’s liberation message, turning the Christian concern for the poor into a revolutionary doctrine that emphasized class struggle and violent upheaval. Revolutionaries and theologians selectively interpreted scriptures to justify their cause, much like how cults distort religious teachings to serve their own agendas. This selective reading and reinterpretation of biblical texts enabled Marxist ideas to take root in Catholic societies, leading to significant social unrest.
The consequences of this ideological subversion were profound. In many Latin American countries, Liberation Theology became a tool for revolutionary movements that sought to overthrow existing governments, often leading to violence and instability. The movement also brought conflict within the Catholic Church itself, as some priests embraced and evangelized this Marxist-infused doctrine, ultimately leading to their persecution and, in some cases, assassination. These events, culminating in the deaths of priests like Archbishop Óscar Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated while saying Mass, highlight the dangers of blending revolutionary ideology with religious faith without proper hermeneutical rigor.
The Dark Side of Christianity: Inquisition, Crusades, Colonization, and Residential Schools
No honest comparison of historical systems can ignore the darker chapters of Christianity's history. The Crusades, the Inquisition, the horrors of colonization, and the tragedy of residential schools represent moments when the church strayed far from its foundational teachings of love, justice, and mercy.
The Crusades (1096-1291): A series of religious wars initiated by the Latin Church to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control, which resulted in significant bloodshed, including massacres of Muslims, Jews, and even fellow Christians. The Crusades, while justified at the time as a holy war, are now widely recognized as a period of unnecessary violence and religious intolerance.
The Inquisition (12th-19th centuries): A group of institutions within the Catholic Church tasked with rooting out heresy. The Inquisition employed severe measures, including torture and execution, to enforce religious conformity. It left a legacy of fear, repression, and injustice, where countless individuals were persecuted for their beliefs.
Colonization: Under the guise of spreading Christianity, European powers embarked on colonizing vast regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This often resulted in the exploitation, enslavement, and extermination of indigenous populations. Colonization was accompanied by the forced conversion of native peoples and the destruction of their cultures.
Residential Schools: In countries like Canada, the church was complicit in the establishment and operation of residential schools, where indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to systemic abuse in an effort to assimilate them into European culture. The trauma inflicted on these children has had lasting generational effects on indigenous communities.
These events represent stark deviations from the teachings of Christ, which emphasize love, compassion, and justice. They serve as sobering reminders of the potential for corruption when religious institutions wield power without accountability.
Decentralization in the Biblical Model of the Church
It's important to note that the negative aspects of Christian history often arose when the church became centralized and wielded power in a way that was never intended in the biblical model. The New Testament church was designed to be a decentralized body, represented by every tribe, nation, and tongue, with no single, overarching human authority. This model was intended to prevent the amassing of power in a pyramidal structure, which could lead to the creation of new "pharaonic" dynasties, much like those seen in communist regimes under leaders like Stalin, Lenin, Mao, and Chávez.
The early church operated as a community of believers who were accountable to one another and to Christ as the head of the church. This decentralization was meant to safeguard against the kinds of abuses that occur when too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few. The centralization of power within the church, as seen during the medieval period, contributed to many of the abuses associated with the Inquisition, Crusades, and other dark chapters of church history.
Evaluating the Two Kingdoms: Data as Our Guide
When evaluating the historical impact of Christianity and Communism, it is crucial to balance the positives with the negatives. The abuses committed by the church during the Crusades, Inquisition, colonization, and in residential schools are undeniable. They represent periods when the church aligned itself with temporal power rather than spiritual truth, leading to widespread suffering.
However, it is equally important to recognize that these dark chapters do not represent the totality of Christianity's influence on the world. The same Christian tradition that sanctioned the Inquisition also produced the abolitionists who fought to end slavery. The church that participated in colonization also nurtured the civil rights movement. The Christian faith has been a force for both immense good and profound harm, depending on how its teachings have been interpreted and applied.
In contrast, the historical record of Communism, particularly in its most extreme forms, is overwhelmingly negative. The promise of a classless society has consistently led to tyranny, oppression, and mass murder. Unlike Christianity, where the positive and negative are intertwined, Communism's legacy is marked primarily by its failures.
The Moral Framework: Universal Human Rights as the Compass
In this evaluation, the Universal Human Rights Code serves as our moral compass. It is a framework that transcends ideology, asserting that all people are entitled to certain inalienable rights—life, liberty, and security—regardless of their beliefs or background. Any system that sacrifices these rights for the sake of ideological purity or state control is fundamentally flawed.
Communism, as it has been practiced, often falls short of this standard. The historical record shows a repeated pattern of rights being trampled in the pursuit of a utopian vision that never materialized. Christianity, when true to its principles, upholds these rights, emphasizing the value of every human being and the importance of justice tempered with mercy.
Conclusion: The Path to the Best Outcome
In the cold light of history, stripped of the promises of the afterlife or divine favor, the data tells a complex but clear story. Christianity has been a force for both great good and significant harm. The system aligned with Christian ethics has generally led to positive outcomes for humanity—greater respect for human rights, higher quality of life, and a more stable society—when its teachings have been rightly applied. On the other hand, when Christianity has aligned itself with political power and strayed from its foundational teachings, it has caused profound suffering.
Communism, in its attempt to create heaven on earth, has consistently produced something closer to hell. The legacy of Communism is marked by tyranny, oppression, and the loss of countless lives. Unlike Christianity, which has a mixed record, Communism’s historical impact is overwhelmingly negative.
This conclusion is not drawn from a place of bias but from a careful analysis of the historical record. It acknowledges the complexity of human societies and the flaws inherent in any system. Yet, when we measure the outcomes—by the metric of human lives preserved, rights respected, and societies built to last—the evidence leans heavily in favor of Christianity as a force for good in the world, despite its dark chapters.
In the end, the choice between these two systems is not just a matter of ideology, but of humanity. It is a choice between a world where individuals are valued and their rights protected, and a world where the dream of a perfect society justifies any means to achieve it. History has shown us which path leads to the better outcome—and it is a lesson we would do well to remember.
References
The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression – Provides a detailed account of the human cost of Communism.
Mao's Great Famine by Frank Dikötter – Documents the devastating impact of policies during the Great Leap Forward in China.
Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years by Diarmaid MacCulloch – Explores the influence of Christian principles on Western civilization.
The Abolition of Slavery and the Transformation of the Atlantic World – Discusses the role of Christian activism in the abolition of slavery.
Azusa Street Revival: The Pentecostal Movement's Global Legacy by Cecil M. Robeck – Examines the Azusa Street Revival's impact on breaking down social barriers.
Liberation Theology: Religious Response to Social Crisis by Phillip Berryman – Provides a critical analysis of Liberation Theology and its Marxist influences.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights – The foundational document outlining universal human rights.
Christian Ethics and Human Rights – A work discussing the alignment of Christian teachings with the principles of human rights.
The Crusades: A Complete History by Jonathan Riley-Smith – A comprehensive history of the Crusades and their impact.
The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision by Henry Kamen – A detailed study of the Spanish Inquisition.
Colonialism: A Theoretical Overview by Jürgen Osterhammel – An analysis of the impact of European colonization.
Residential Schools and Reconciliation: Canada Confronts Its History by J.R. Miller – Explores the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.
The Death of Archbishop Romero – Articles detailing the assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero, a symbol of Liberation Theology’s struggles in Latin America.
Lenin’s “Useful Idiots” – An analysis of Lenin’s term and its implications in revolutionary movements.
The Decentralized Church: A Biblical Model by Gregg Allison – Examines the New Testament model of church structure and its implications for preventing abuses of power.