Abstract
The first part of the analysis is based upon a text of Marx from the Introduction to the Critique of the Philosophy of Law, which appeared in 1843-44. According to the author, the impor tance of this text lies in the concrete reference which it makes to the Prussian society of the epoch, whereas it has often been inter preted as an adopting of a philosophical position, as much on the part of the Marxists as the Christians for that matter. The radical atheism of the young Hegelians was very rapidly combatted by Marx. The author then takes up the problem of terminology: opium (illusory comfort), but also protestation against real misery. This permits him to formulate certain Marxist theses for analysing religion, notably religion as an ongoing creation of man, which one cannot identify with exploitation as sole justifica tion; as proved today by a major tendency within the Catholicism of Latin America.