Theme 3 Religion Flashcards
Define what the ‘Russian Orthodox Church’ is
Closely connected to Tsarist regime.
Previously the most popular religion inside of Russia - particularly the rural population.
Deeply conservative attitudes.
Why was religion (in particular the Russian Orthodox Church’ a threat to Marxist thinking?
Christianity’s ideas for rights for an individual opposed the socialist collective mentality.
Bolsheviks were atheists that dismissed religion as susperstition.
Why was it a ‘large task’ to remove the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church?
Previously, the Tsar had been the head of the ROC and the majority of people had believed heavily in it. Due to their vast influence, it was difficult to remove.
What initial measures were introduced in 1918-1919 to limit the influence of religion?
Decree of Freedom of Conscience separated the ROC from the state so it lost its privileges.
Church’s land was taken and its publications were outlawed.
Many Churches were destroyed or converted for other purposes. All monasteries closed by 1918.
How did the civil war impact religion?
The famine of the civil war meant that attacks on the Church increased and many of their valuable objects were seized.
Priests were denied to vote and rations. Victims of Red Terror.
By 1923, 1,000 priests had been killed
What was established in 1929 (with reference to religion) and what impact did it have?
League of Militant Godless established as propaganda campaign against religion.
Launched events to disprove existence of God.
What religious rituals were replaced?
Baptisms were replaced with “Octoberings”.
New names such as Revolyutisya and Ninel (Lenin backwards) encouraged
What evidence is there to suggest that Lenin had mostly destroyed religion?
By 1930, 4/5 of churches in villages were no longer in operation/ destroyed.
What evidence is there to suggest he had failed in this form of control?
Many of the peasantry still considered themselves Christians as found in a suvey in 1920s where 55% still said they were active christians.
What evidence is there to suggest Stalin continued Lenin’s purging of religion?
Religious repression accompanied Stalin’s policy of collectivisation. More churches were closed down and priests labelled as “kulaks” and deported.
. What evidence is there to suggest that Stalin was more pragmatic in his approach towards religion?
Due to the war, the policy changed. Church supported war effort and Stalin therefore became more liberal. Some churches reopened and priest training resumed.
Believed that it could help boost morale during war.
.4. What evidence is there that Khrushchev’s policies were similar to that of pre-war Stalin?
Khrushchev heavily disliked religion and pursued a similar route to Stalin to repress it.
Anti-religious campaign in 1958 continued until his removal in 1964.
Within 4 years, 10,000 churches had been closed. Priests harrassed by secret police.
What evidence is there to suggest Brezhnev was more tolerant of religion?
Church persecution declined after 1964.
Hindered B’s attempts to strengthen foreign policy as religious persecution was disliked by the west.
ROC expected to stick to formal church services and provide facilities to help the poor. Religious services were classified according to its loyalty to socialism.
What was the reaction of church leaders to Brezhnev’s approach?
Orthodox priests set up Christian committee in 1976 to Defend the believers rights against human rights abuse.
This was too far for B who sentenced its leader to imprisonment.
Which groups were treated with less tolerance?
Jewish people and baptists were more critical to the regime and therefore treated with less tolerance.
Prayer meetings were broken up and members were dismissed from jobs.
However, unregistered congregations continued to meet and share prayer books.
