Ever watch the movie Footloose? There’s a scene in it where people are burning books they thought were harmful to the youth and to the community. The protestant/evangelical pastor says “Satan isn’t in these books! He’s in here [pointing to his chest], he’s in your heart!” Well, in a large part, that scene is very helpful! Should we burn all copies of the communist manifesto or, perhaps, Mein kampf? I realize your question isn’t about destroying literature but what I’m leading into is the concept of intention, guidance, and will power. If you read something because you seek answers of faith then one can simply read the Catechism, scripture, Summa, etc. If you want to learn about subjects so that you have a better understanding of things then there is nothing wrong in doing so. However, and this is a big however, this does not mean you can read a playboy to learn about sexual habits. Pornography, for example, is sin in itself. Those books should be burned! If you take my meaning. Guidance is key! If you want to learn about, for example, Satanism then reading a book on it without having the intention or will or proper guidance can, for some, be very risky. It is much wiser to let the clergy study these matters safely and then read THEIR books on the matter. Of course, reading a book on this subject should never be done if you’re looking for answers in life! I have read books on it to learn of its nature, not how to conduct a black mass! But through my reading I know to a degree of what goes on during them and I stay away from that . Leave the details of evil to the properly trained and educated, ie clergy.
The philosophy of Communism is absolutely not compatible with any form of Christianity but how much wiser one will be knowing how it operates! Is it sinful to read it? Of course not. Is it sinful to read it out of curiosity and without proper intention? Well, now that something you need to seek guidance on from your Priest. Take care to not enter into something you’re not sure on how you will handle it.
Reading the book you mentioned is not a sin in itself but If your heart starts to become confused, run away! Throw the book in the trash or at least seek guidance. A lot of people read things they really don’t understand and fancy themselves as philosophers. This is when certain reading can become sinful. The Devil can use his power through Charles Dickens if he knows something will get to you! Without guidance, the Bible can lead one to sin through one’s own interpretation of it! By seeking guidance you keep your intentions true.
