Marx and the Bible
A Critique of the Philosophy of Oppression
Translated by John Eagleson
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Much of what we pridefully designate as 'Western Culture' has prevented theologians, ecclesiastical authorities, and professional exegetes from perceiving the Bible's message on behalf of the poor and helpless of the world. 'Marx and the Bible' is an attempt to break this spell which has been disastrous for Christianity down through history and for the very content of its theology. What is most interesting is that when I began my scriptural investigation I did not have the remotest idea of where it would lead. I undertook it through pure devotion to Jesus Christ. But little by little, as I read the exegetical works, I realized that this barrier has existed for a long time. any serious reader will see that my convictions are Christian, not Marxist. Biblical scholarship itself will sooner or later have to take seriously the results of my investigation, for my conclusions are objectively verifiable, and I propose them as such. A rigorous methodology, or rather the Bible's authentic message, is called upon in our century to revolutionize completely the history of Christianity and with it the history of the West and the whole world.
Jose Porfirio Miranda
Jose Porfirio Miranda studied economics at the Universities of Munich and Munster and received his licentiate in Biblical Sciences from the Biblical Institute in Rome in 1967. He served as Professor of Mathematics at the Instituto de Ciencias and Professor of Economic Theory at the Instituto Tecnologico in Guadalajara, Professor of Philosophy at the Instituto Regional (Chihuahua), Professor of the Philosophy of Law at the National University and Professor of Exegesis at the Instituto Libre de Filosofia, both in Mexico City.
"Much of what we pridefully designate as 'Western Culture' has prevented theologians, ecclesiastical authorities, and professional exegetes from perceiving the Bible's message on behalf of the poor and helpless of the world. 'Marx and the Bible' is an attempt to break this spell which has been disastrous for Christianity down through history and for the very content of its theology. What is most interesting is that when I began my scriptural investigation I did not have the remotest idea of where it would lead. I undertook it through pure devotion to Jesus Christ. But little by little, as I read the exegetical works, I realized that this barrier has existed for a long time. any serious reader will see that my convictions are Christian, not Marxist. Biblical scholarship itself will sooner or later have to take seriously the results of my investigation, for my conclusions are objectively verifiable, and I propose them as such. A rigorous methodology, or rather the Bible's authentic message, is called upon in our century to revolutionize completely the history of Christianity and with it the history of the West and the whole world."
Jose Porfirio Miranda