91 | Religion and the Dialectics of Justice and Liberation
Dec 26, 2021
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The podcast explores being religious and communist, the dialectical relationship of justice and liberation, the significance of religion and faith, and the complex relationship between communism and religion. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding Christianity and the relationship between justice and liberation.
37:14
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Quick takeaways
Religion can serve as a tool for the poor and oppressed, grounding and propelling them, despite not being scientific or metaphysical explanations.
Liberation must precede justice for true justice to flourish, requiring breaking free from oppressive systems and power structures.
Deep dives
Religion and Faith in Context
Religion and faith are not scientific or metaphysical explanations, but rather stories and symbols that ground and propel us. While some see religion as a burden or waste of time, it can also be a tool for the poor and oppressed. Religion has a class character and can be seized by both exploitative and liberative forces.
The Relationship Between Justice and Liberation
Justice and liberation are interconnected but distinct. Justice, although important, is often incomplete and partial in an unjust world. Liberation, on the other hand, must come first in order for justice to truly flourish. Justice work that leads to liberation necessitates breaking free from oppressive systems and power structures.
Justice and Liberation in Practice
Justice work within the current system is insufficient for realizing true justice. Merely striving for better pay, healthcare, or conditions will not bring about justice. Instead, liberation from capitalist and imperialist systems is needed to create the conditions for justice to be realized. Power is a key factor in achieving liberation and pursuing the transformation of oppressive relationships and structures.
A New Direction for Faith and Capital
The podcast announces the addition of a new co-host and their plans for the future, including a focus on Maoism, organizing, and engagements with Marxism and Christianity. They aim to explore the dialectical relationship between faith and politics, while also discussing justice and liberation within a materialist framework.
After nearly three years of solo-podcasting, Faith and Capital is no longer just a Chase project. Chase is being joined by Chris as an official co-host! And to start off 2022, we thought we'd talk about how we understand 1) being religious and communist, and 2) the dialectical relationship of justice and liberation.