Religious values behind principles of secular democracy

In “Communism failed due to flawed economic ideology” (July 28), the writers implied that democracy, like communism, is an atheistic ideology. This correlation shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental principles of communism and democracy.

Communism came from an atheistic position; it is assumed there is no God. If there is no God, however, there is no objective basis of right or wrong and no value in altruism or unconditional love.

The only values that remain are pleasure and self-preservation at all costs. In principle, in a godless world, mankind should reflect the animal kingdom in terms of morals.

Communism calls for a utopian classless society where everyone is equal. To be equal, however, property ownership, wealth disparity and all bureaucracy must be removed. So, before a communist society can be set up, two things will have to occur.

First, a revolution is required to overthrow the ruling-class system of governance. Second, a socialist state must be formed to enforce the transfer of property ownership and wealth from the people to the state.

Communism’s ends justify its violent means, but this aggressive process contradicts its ideal and is where it fails.

Wherever a socialist state had been established, dissenters were dealt with in a most unfair and unequal way, including getting killed, for not conforming to the utopian ideology.

Such a state would become a powerhouse, as it would own and control all property and wealth. With a godless mindset and no value in self-sacrifice, it would go against the grain for the new ruling class to surrender power.

Interestingly, the belief in a God who made all man of intrinsic value and dignity had founded the principles of secular democracy throughout the Western world, including countries cited in the letter.

Democracy recognises the equality of people, regardless of status and religion. It gives the power of electing a government back to the people. To disallow religious people from holding public discourse would contradict the principle of equality in a democracy.

Rather, we should function on the principle that men, whether atheists, agnostics, freethinkers or religious, possess ethical roles as parents, engineers, philosophers, lawmakers, et cetera. This form of equality is the only workable foundation for public good.