Bob Avakian

This provocative book includes a scathing refutation of the reality behind conservative Christian fundamentalist morality, a critical look at the limitations of "liberation theology," including a discussion of Jim Wallis's book, The Soul of Politics, and an inspiring look at morality from a revolutionary perspective. This work is even more timely today as it was when it was published in 1999. Bob Avakian says in the Prologue that "From whatever vantage point one looks, it is unmistakable that there is what could be called a 'moral crisis' in America. There has been, to a significant degree, 'a breakdown of traditional morality.' But the answer to this—at least the answer that is in the interests of the majority of people in the U.S. and the overwhelming majority of humanity—is not a more aggressive assertion of that 'traditional morality' but winning people to a radically different morality, in the process of radically transforming society and the world as a whole."

Bob Avakian has written a memoir containing three unique but interwoven stories. The first tells of a white middle-class kid growing up in '50s America who goes to an integrated high school and has his world turned around; the second of a young man who overcomes a near-fatal disease and jumps with both feet into the heady swirl of Berkeley in the '60s; and the third of a radical activist who matures into a tempered revolutionary communist leader. If you think about the past or if you urgently care about the future ... if you want to hear a unique voice of utter realism and deep humanity ... and if you dare to have your assumptions challenged and your stereotypes overturned ... then you won't want to miss this book.

This provocative collection of reflections and observations by Bob Avakian on art, culture, science and philosophy offers a rare treat. Excerpted from formal talks as well as more informal discussions and conversations, this collection allows the reader to experience Bob Avakian—in the process of developing his thinking and re-envisioning the communist project on a wide range of subjects, from the dictatorship of the proletariat to discussions of truth, beauty, science and imagination. This collection will provide the reader with important, fresh, and provocative insights and provoke further creative and critical thinking on art, culture, science, philosophy... and revolution.

This book makes the case for why humanity needs a communist revolution and deeply explores the means for actually bringing about such a liberating revolution. In this two-part work ("Part 1-Revolution and the State" and "Part 2-Building the Movement for Revolution"), Bob Avakian examines the contradictory dynamics of historical development in human society-and the possible pathways of change-and discusses the scientific methods and means for realizing the "Impossible Dream" of a viable and radically different world, one where humanity can soar beyond social relations characterized by domination, exploitation, and oppression. In a style that has been described as totally outrageous and eminently reasonable, Avakian punctures conventional thinking on a number of diverse themes (for example, the theory of "social contract," notions of "human nature," and today's "revolting culture"). In a penetrating critique, capitalism and the philosophies of the bourgeois epoch are sharply contrasted with the basic vision, principles, and approach of a new liberating society, including how this would be reflected in a constitution radically different than the current U.S. Constitution. Birds Cannot Give Birth to Crocodiles, But Humanity Can Soar Beyond the Horizon embodies the new synthesis of communism which Bob Avakian has been developing over the course of the past several decades, and provides new insights into the dynamics of social change and the strategy for revolution.

BREAKTHROUGHS: The Historic Breakthrough by Marx, and the Further Breakthrough with the New Communism, A Basic Summary is “a distilled discussion of the theory, strategic orientation and objectives of the communist movement as this was developed from the time of Marx and with its further development and synthesis with the new communism” (as Bob Avakian, the architect of the new communism, describes this work in its preface). This work delves into the development of communist political theory with historical sweep and scientific analysis, highlighting what was so radically new and revolutionary about the theories first put forward by Marx and then examining the breakthroughs made by Avakian, whose new communism reflects a continuation of the Marxist tradition but at the same time represents a qualitative leap beyond, and in some important respects a break with, communist theory as it had been previously developed. This has resulted in a whole new framework for human emancipation, one defined by its emphasis on the critical importance of science and the consistent application of a scientific method. These theoretical breakthroughs are brought to life by Avakian, drawing on his ability to "break down" even very complex ideas and concepts in a popular and colloquial way that is accessible to a wide variety of readers. For anyone who yearns for a different world, one free of all forms of oppression and exploitation, where all humanity could truly flourish and where the planet could thrive, this thought-provoking work is essential reading.

Is believing in gods actually harmful? How has Christianity for centuries served as an ideology of conquest and subjugation? Why is the "Bible Belt" in the U.S. also the "lynching belt"? Why is there a rise of religious fundamentalism throughout the world? In the intensifying conflict between U.S. imperialism and Islamic fundamentalism, is the only choice to take one side or the other? Why is patriarchy and the oppression of women foundational to so many religions? Can people be good without god? These are just some of the questions explored in this provocative work by Bob Avakian. Bringing a unique revolutionary communist voice to the current discourse about god, atheism and morality, Avakian demystifies religious belief and examines how, even in its most progressive interpretations, religion stands in the way of the emancipation of humanity. A thread deeply woven throughout Away With All Gods! is the need to fully rupture with all forms of superstition, and to take up instead a truly scientific approach to understanding and transforming reality. Whether you believe in god, or are an agnostic or an atheist, Bob Avakian will challenge you with his powerful critique of long-established traditions and his liberating vision of a radically different world.

Nominee: 2017 American Book Fest, Best Book Awards. For anyone who cares about the state of the world and the condition of humanity and agonizes over whether fundamental change is really possible, this landmark work provides a sweeping and comprehensive orientation, foundation, and guide to making the most radical of revolutions: a communist revolution aimed at emancipating humanity getting beyond all forms of oppression and exploitation on a world scale. The author, Bob Avakian, is the architect of a new synthesis of communism. This new synthesis is a continuation of, but also represents a qualitative leap beyond, and in some important ways a break with, communist theory as it had been previously developed. Avakian has written this book in such a way as to make even complex theory accessible to a broad audience. In this book, he draws on his decades of work advancing the science of communism and his experience as a revolutionary communist leader, including leading the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA, as its Chairman since its founding in 1975. This is a path-breaking work, one that scientifically analyzes the system of capitalism-imperialism and its unresolvable contradictions;confronts the challenges facing the movement for revolution; and forges a way forward to making an actual revolution in this country, as part of contributing to communist revolution internationally.