40 Years Since Release of CAUSA Lecture Manual

CAUSA Lecture Manual played a significant role during the Cold War with its pro-God and anti-communist view

Godism — *One of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual.*

It is 40 years since the CAUSA Lecture Manual was published in January 1985 by CAUSA International. The 264-page publication became a significant tool in the organization’s efforts to counter Marxist-Leninist ideology during the Cold War. Its impact can be assessed through its influence on religious and political groups, its role in pro-God and anti-communist education, and the controversies it sparked.

CAUSA International, an educational organization, was established in 1980. Throughout the 1980s, it conducted numerous seminars and conferences across various countries, including the United States, Latin America, and Europe, aiming to counter Marxist-Leninist ideologies.

The preface of the CAUSA Lecture Manual opens with,

“This text presents an examination and critique of Marxist-Leninist ideology, a critique of confusion in the Western system of values, and a new worldview based on the affirmation of God. This new worldview, Godism, and these critiques were inspired by Reverend Sun Myung Moon, founder of CAUSA International.”

*Bill Lay lecturing in the 1980s based on the CAUSA Lecture Manual. Photo: CAUSA*

Developed during the Cold War, the lecture manual reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting democracy and freedom.

Preface and Introduction

The manual begins with a preface and opening remarks by Bo Hi Pak (1930-2019), outlining its purpose and providing guidance on its utilization. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding communist ideology to effectively counter its influence and underscores the importance of a principled alternative.

Chapter One: Communist Expansionism and the West

This chapter examines the global spread of communism, analyzing strategies employed by communist movements to extend their influence. It discusses the geopolitical implications for Western democracies and the challenges posed by communist expansionism.

Chapter Two: Marxist Ideology: Overview and Critique

Here, the manual provides an overview of Marxist ideology, including its historical development and foundational principles. It offers a critique of Marxist thought, highlighting perceived flaws and contradictions within its theoretical framework.

3 pillars — *One of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual.*

Chapter Three: Dialectical and Historical Materialism

This section delves into the Marxist concepts of dialectical and historical materialism, which assert that material conditions and class struggles drive historical development. The manual critiques these concepts, arguing for the inclusion of spiritual and moral dimensions in understanding human history.

Chapter Four: Marxist Economic Theories

An analysis of Marxist economic theories is presented, focusing on concepts such as surplus value, labor theory of value, and the critique of capitalism. The manual challenges these theories, defending the benefits of free-market economies.

Chapter Five: Imperialism and the Third International

This chapter explores Marxist interpretations of imperialism and the role of the Third International (Comintern) in promoting global communist revolution. It critiques the strategies and outcomes associated with these efforts.

Spiritual reality — *One of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual.*

Chapter Six: Confusion in the Western Value System

The manual discusses the perceived erosion of traditional values in Western societies, attributing this confusion to the influence of materialism and moral relativism. It argues that this moral decline creates vulnerabilities to communist ideology.

Chapter Seven: Introduction to the CAUSA Worldview

This extensive chapter introduces the CAUSA worldview as a principled alternative to Marxism. It is subdivided into several sections:

God vs. Communism: Contrasts the theistic foundation of the CAUSA perspective with the atheistic nature of communism.
Counterproposal to the Law of Dialectics: Offers an alternative to the Marxist dialectical method, emphasizing harmony and cooperation over conflict.
Counterproposal to Historical Materialism: Presents a view of history that incorporates spiritual and moral progress, challenging the materialist conception of history.
One of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual.
CAUSA Worldview on Man: Defines human nature from the CAUSA perspective, highlighting the spiritual and moral dimensions of humanity.
Overall Conclusion: Summarizes the CAUSA worldview as a comprehensive alternative to Marxist ideology.
Practical Applications of the CAUSA Worldview: Discusses how the CAUSA perspective can be applied in various societal contexts to promote freedom and democracy.
CAUSA Outreach: Outlines strategies for disseminating the CAUSA worldview and engaging with individuals and communities to counter communist influence.

In summary, the CAUSA Lecture Manual serves as both a critique of Marxist-Leninist ideology and a presentation of an alternative worldview grounded in spiritual and moral principles. It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively counter communist influence and promote democratic values.

Influence on Religious and Political Groups

Victor Hugo quote — *Quote from Victor Hugo. From one of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual*

CAUSA actively engaged with religious leaders, particularly within evangelical and conservative circles, to disseminate its anti-communist message. The manual served as a foundational text in seminars and conferences aimed at educating clergy about the perceived threats of communism. For instance, in 1985, CAUSA organized events offering all-expense-paid trips to pastors for training seminars. Some religious leaders, such as Assemblies of God evangelist Daniel Scalf, became regional directors for CAUSA, indicating the manual’s role in mobilizing religious communities against communism.

Role in Anti-Communist Education

The manual provided a structured critique of Marxist-Leninist ideology, offering alternative perspectives grounded in what CAUSA termed “Godism”. This content was utilized in educational settings to equip individuals with arguments against communist doctrines. The manual’s comprehensive analysis of Marxist theories and its presentation of a theistic worldview appealed to those seeking intellectual and moral counterarguments to communism.

Unselfishness — *One of the illustrations in the CAUSA Lecture Manual.*

By the early 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the decline of global communism, CAUSA’s activities diminished significantly. The organization had largely ceased its operations by the mid-1990s, as the geopolitical landscape that necessitated its mission had transformed.

The keen reader may ask how the CAUSA Lecture Manual was different from “Communism – a Critique and Counterproposal” by Dr. Sang-hun Lee (1914-1997) and published in 1973.

The CAUSA Lecture Manual was designed as an educational tool for workshops and seminars, especially aimed at political, religious, and community leaders. The manual was written for a diverse audience that includes non-academics, and focuses on delivering a concise, systematic critique of Marxist-Leninist ideology and presenting the “Godism” or “Head-wing” philosophy as an alternative.

Dr. Lee’s book is a more in-depth, scholarly work primarily aimed at readers seeking a detailed analysis of Marxism and a philosophical counterproposal. The book appeals to academics, philosophers, and those interested in deeper ideological discussions. Dr. Lee explored the theoretical and logical inconsistencies in Marxist-Leninist thought, while The CAUSA manual stressed the moral and spiritual inadequacies of communism.

Both publications share the common goal of addressing the challenges posed by communism and offering a spiritually grounded alternative but cater to different audiences and contexts.

Text: Knut Holdhus

Featured image above: Front cover page of the CAUSA Lecture Manual

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