Rebirth of Religion in Russia

Abstract

S OVIET Russia, in the quaint terminology of revolution, claims to have liquidated religion. This spiritual narcotic, the Communists say, has deadened and intimidated the masses throughout the ages shall have no part in our bright society built for the people against the exploiters. Nothing is more conspicuous to the visitor in Russia than the revolt against religion, nothing is more eagerly expounded by young Communists than the new freedom from the yoke of superstition. Interesting but not true. Russia today is the most fervently religious country in the world. Everywhere throughout the Soviet Union, in the cities and on the steppes, in great Russia and in all the affiliated provinces, people are at worship. And it is no mere lip service; it is devotion, glowing with a deep and zealous faith, molding and controlling the ideals and the lives of the worshipers. Masses gather in schools and factories and the open parks shouting hosanna or bowing in silent adoration and prayer. Ikons are in every public building and every home. The teachings of the hierarchy are listened to with awe and reverence and are accepted unquestioningly as guiding principles not only of faith but of daily life. Russia has not suppressed religion. She has substituted a new faith for the old. For the movement which has swept Russia and is affecting people elsewhere in distant countries is not merely a change in the social order, a fresh set of political forms; it is an authentic new religion. One hundred and sixty million people could not be welded together to fight and endure