“I believe Karl Marx could have subscribed to the Sermon on the Mount.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“I believe Karl Marx could have subscribed to the Sermon on the Mount.”
Explanation
This quote suggests that Fidel Castro saw a fundamental compatibility between Marxist ideals and Christian moral teachings, particularly those found in the Sermon on the Mount, which includes themes like compassion, humility, and justice for the poor. By stating that Marx could have “subscribed” to this part of Christian doctrine, Castro implies that Marxism is not inherently anti-religious in spirit, but rather shares ethical concerns with early Christian values.
The historical context is important. Castro, though a declared Marxist and leader of a Communist state, was acutely aware of Cuba’s deeply rooted Catholic tradition. This statement can be read as a bridge between his revolutionary, socialist platform and the spiritual heritage of many of his citizens, attempting to reconcile class struggle with religious morality. It reflects his effort to present Communism as morally grounded, not simply as a rejection of Western capitalism or religion.
In modern terms, the quote can be applied to discussions about the moral foundations of political ideologies. It challenges the notion that socialism or communism are purely materialistic or hostile to faith, suggesting instead that social justice and economic equality can be framed as ethical imperatives, even within religious discourse. It invites a re-examination of how seemingly opposing philosophies may, in their core human concerns, align.
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