Page 126 - God's Church through the Ages - Student Textbook

This period led up to Marx and Engel’s most famous work – A short pamphlet titled ‘ The Communist Manifesto‘.

Unlike the majority of Marx’s work, this Manifesto was short, to the point and included fiery, inspirational
language, designed to awaken the desire for revolution.

After the revolutions which swept Europe in 1848, Marx increasingly found himself under suspicion and scrutiny
from French and Belgian authorities. He decided to flee to London and continue his work from there.

In London, Marx became more involved with the burgeoning Communist Movement. He was influential in the
First Congress of the international, where he sought to argue against the anarchist wing led by Mikhail Bakunin.

Another influential event was the Paris Commune uprising of 1871, though defeated after two months. Marx
enthusiastically supported this as being a forerunner of future Communist revolutions.

Marx spent considerable time in the British Library researching political economy. This led to his deepest work –
Das Capital – a dense and thorough examination of Capitalist society and economy.

Marx also sought to examine all aspects of life from his new Marxist analysis. For example, he sought to show
religion was merely a tool of Capitalist society to keep the workers under the thumb.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Jenny, in 1881, Marx’s health deteriorated and died from Bronchitis and
Pleurisy in 1883. He was buried at Highgate cemetery London.

How many people can one man’s ideas influence? Ever thought about that question? How many
people could come to Christ if you are faithful and obedient to your calling to be a witness to the
ends of the earth?

Karl Marx was the father of Communism. His ideas are the major doctrines of communism and socialism
which have shaped the course of modern history. Entire countries have believed his ideas. As a result, wars
have been fought over his ideologies. Here are some startling facts: 65 million were killed in China, 30 million
in the Soviet Union, 25% of the population of Cambodia (2 million), and in Africa, 1.7 million have died. In fact,
from 1917 to 2017, more than 100 million (that’s 100,000,000 people) have been killed as a result of
Communism. Ideas have consequences and can shape lives for eternity!

21.4 Let’s Practice…

1. How was David Livingston’s missionary style different than most conventional missionaries?

2 – 4. Give three major purposes of Livingston’s travels into the interior of Africa.

5. What happened to Livingston when he spoke out about racial tolerance?

6. What major “wonder of the world” did Livingston discover that captivated the minds of men back home?

7. What was Africa called before Livingston came there as a missionary?

8. What were the results of David Livingston’s missionary endeavors?

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