Fundamentals of the Ideology of W.I. Lenin to Religion Cover Image

I fondamenti dell’ideologia di Vladimir Il’ič Lenin circa la religione
Fundamentals of the Ideology of W.I. Lenin to Religion

Author(s): Przemysław August Lewiński
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion
Published by: Gdańskie Seminarium Duchowne, Kuria Metropolitalna Gdańska
Keywords: communism; Leninism; ideology; religion

Summary/Abstract: Undoubtedly the ideology of V.I. Lenin has had a huge impact on the history of many countries not only in Europe but in entire world in the twentieth century. It has become an integral part in the construction of a real communism. Its primary purpose was the indoctrination of the masses, changing their attitudes, traditions and values. Inevitably it had to lead to a confrontation of the Lenin’s ideology with religion. This article in an attempt to present concisely the official views of V.I. Lenin on this matter. In order to acquire a more profound understanding of the issue, the article will describe the initial foundations of communism, its origin, as well as the semantics of the word “ideology”. A thorough analysis of Lenin’s texts pertaining to the role of religion reveals the impossibility of a reconciliation of the ideology with faith in God. Although the quoted texts do not call explicitly for a final confrontation with religion, the historial facts show many concrete example of such action. Lenin’s ideology, based on the dialectical materialism of K. Marx and combined with the vision of a secular State, is incompatible with religious values, especially Christian values. It seeks not only to destroy spiritual values, but above all to replace them with the idea of the class struggle and to become a new religion.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 38
  • Page Range: 161-177
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Italian