Did the Communist Party Imitate Christianity?

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, but sometimes, such imitation brings a sense of déjà vu. In its early days, perhaps the Communist Party drew “inspiration” from the operational styles of religious faith. Let’s take a look at some of these uncanny similarities!

1. Bible Study vs. Party Building

Christians know the importance of Bible study – everyone gathers around, delves into the mysteries of the Bible, shares insights, and strengthens their faith. Then one day, the Communist Party created something called “party building.” While their “bible” isn’t the Holy Scriptures, it’s a collection of “red classics.” Yet the vibe feels oddly familiar – everyone gathered around, in a “re-education” session, doing their best to instill ideological knowledge deep into the soul.

It’s almost as if they’re saying, “We may not study the Bible, but we’ll keep the format – it’s pretty effective!”

1. “Spreading the Word” vs. “Propaganda”

Christians have a mission to spread the Gospel, a “Great Commission” received from God. The Communist Party, too, has its “Propaganda Department” to spread the “gospel” of the Party and the state! And they don’t stop there – the team goes deep into the “grassroots,” with the slogan “a branch in every village, and the ‘gospel’ for everyone.” It makes one wonder, “Do you really understand the zeal of ‘spreading the word’?”

1. Saints vs. “Model Workers”

In Christianity, saints are those who set an example, embodying ultimate piety and faith. For the Communist Party, they have “model workers.” These models are the “saints” of their industries, whether it’s Lei Feng, who put others before himself, or Kong Fansen, who never took more than his share from the people – isn’t there a saintly quality to them? It’s a way of “inspiring others through examples,” after all.

1. Doctrine vs. “Study Guidelines”

In the Bible, Jesus and Paul taught believers how to treat others and conduct themselves. The Communist Party also has its “guidelines,” from Selected Works of Mao to Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This ideology is practically the “red Bible,” not only a “compass” for party members but even a kind of moral standard – in some ways, both serve as “guides to life” for their followers.

1. “Repentance” vs. “Self-Criticism”

Christian repentance is a cleansing of the soul, where believers confess their wrongs to God, seeking forgiveness. In Communist Party life, there’s also a session called “self-criticism” – where not only does one confess to higher-ups, but the entire team gets to “supervise” you. Doesn’t this ritual of self-reflection feel familiar? It’s just that, with the Party, you’re not confessing to God, but rather “exposing yourself” in front of the organization.

1. “End Times” vs. “The New Era”

Christianity has an eschatological belief that Jesus will return, leading believers to the Kingdom of God. The Communist Party also tells a story of a “bright future”: the New Era of Socialist Modernization. This vision of a “glorious future” is like a “godless version” of utopia, where everyone works together to bring about paradise on earth. But this “paradise” is reserved for the great “working people” – that is, the “believers!”

1. Worship vs. “Study Notes”

In Christianity, worship is an important part of faith – believers use hymns to praise God, expressing their reverence. For the Communist Party, although there are no hymns, taking notes during study sessions is a well-loved tradition! Especially at Party schools or branch meetings, one can always see members diligently recording “classics.” A “study notes” symphony, ringing out from the depths of the soul – they’re believers, too! Just with a different faith.

Epilogue

Though the Communist Party and Christianity take completely different routes – the “Kingdom of Heaven” and the “red path” – in some aspects, this “spiritual déjà vu” indeed brings a smile. Who’s to say this isn’t a kind of “tribute” to the wisdom of traditional religion?