There is little direct, systematic or comprehensive discussion of the Bible in Marx's numerous works, except in his religious essay which discusses Gospel of John 15:1-14 at secondary school. This has led to a research blind spot in the relationship between Marx and the Bible. A critique of religion was the prerequisite to Marx's "two transitions", but the Bible was never discarded in the manner of the religious worldview. Throughout his life Marx continually drew valuable material from the Bible, used it critically, and cited allusions from the Bible liberally to enrich or substantiate his doctrines. Marx's attitude towards and understanding of the Bible was a process, with a great difference between his mature perspective and that of his youth. In Marx's opinion, the influence of the Bible went far beyond that of religion and penetrated all aspects of Western social life. Rational use of the Bible can help in using theory to interest the masses, and so become a material force.