Marx and the Bible: A Critique of the Philosophy of Oppression

Rating:
Summary: Radical shift of paradigm...
Review: I picked this book up on a whim several years ago and read through it once and it altered my Biblical paradigm quite a bit (although that shift lacked the substance necessary to speak in anything but generalities). I have recently revisited it and studied it more in depth and am convinced that this book nails down what is so radical about Biblical faith. It brings it back down to earth and reveals how relevant, and necessary, this faith is in the world.

Contrary to the title, the book is not about how Marxism is Biblically justifiable nor is it to say that the Bible is really Marxist. While there are similarities in social outlook, the two do not become one.

This book makes the claim that the essence of the faith in Yahweh is rooted in justice to the oppressed. As I work with the homeless in my community, my idea of the essence of the Biblical faith has also been radically altered. My experience coincides with what he says in this book.

While other faiths may have been metaphysically similar and other faiths may have been 'religious', the Hebrews were called to something radically new -- a faith that impels them to seek justice for those who have formerly not had a voice.

The book reads like a textbook and is thick (and I mean thick) with exegesis. It is rooted directly in the author's work in his native country with the poor. Reading Scripture through the lens of the poor and from a non-Western filter leads to a radical reading of the Bible.

His exegesis on faith, justice and law is remarkable and should be read and digested. Even if one doesn't agree with what he says, what he says (and many other 'Liberation Theologians' from countries other than that of the West) needs to be heard. This is a good place to start.