Marx made some extraordinary comments about the functions of religion in the process of alienation in class societies. But he ignored the sacred practices of egalitarian societies which he called “primitive communism”. These sacred practices have been called “magical” by some anthropologists and were not signs of alienation. They were signs of confidence, joy and group inspiration. We don’t have to believe their ontological and epistemological claims of the need for magical people to change the world. We should consider their social-psychological benefits which can be used by socialists today.
Read our latest article by Bruce Lerro
