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Communism and the United Order
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Contents
Was the United Order simply a form of communism?
Questions
It is claimed that the United Order was simply "communism."
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]
Answer
The charge is absurd--Joseph Smith predated Marx and Engels, and so could not draw on their ideas. There are many differences between the United Order and Communism.
Detailed Analysis
The claim is absurd, and intended to be inflammatory.
Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto was not written until 1848, so it would be impossible for Joseph Smith to draw on their ideas.
There are many differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism, including:
- voluntary versus involuntary.
- focused on God and Christ versus atheistic.
- private ownership versus no private ownership.
== Notes == None