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society so that everyones basic needs are met and all can exist
comfortably/equally. Socialism therefore, would argue that Man should never
exploit anyone or anything, but in fact be generally co-operative and
communally concerned. This is evident as, Most socialists have preached a
secular version of the Christian Brotherhood of Man. On this principle they are
opposed to nationalism, wars, colonialism and the exploitation of
underdeveloped countries.(Political systems of the world, 1964).
Axiology forms a significant portion of a worldview as it is concerned with the
nature of values, what is good and what is right (Lergen, 1984). Socialism is
essentially about the good for all over the greed of the individual. It vehemently
opposes capitalisms exploitive nature and has theoretically reorganised society
so that a minority of individuals did not hold all the power and wealth at the
expense of the majority of people (Antoir, 2013). In this way it has significant
parallels to Utilitarianism, more specifically the idea of doing the greatest good
for the greatest number. As such, socialism would accept that what is good and
what is right in an action, is the one that is not only co-operative but also would
have a fair, beneficial or just outcome for as many as possible involved.
Although Socialism is not directly concerned with religion and faith, it still has
some principles that allow it to address the topic of Theology, which deals with
beliefs about the nature and existence of god. Many religions maintain and
preach the very same core principles that socialists do such as, no exploitation,
justice, communal concern, acting to ensure every attains their basic needs,
reducing poverty etc (Mary, 1966). As such, there appears to be no reason why
religion and socialism couldnt coexist. However, traditional socialist or Marxists
would find themselves opposing the very existence of god. This is because
socialism originated as a, Quasi-religious movement where it was supposed to
fulfil and explain the purpose of life (Antoir, 2013). Marx and his predecessors
strongly believed that a secular and rational society could never be established if
individuals devoted themselves to a, supernatural being and clutched onto
their, selfish desire for salvation (Mary, 1966).