Irreligion in Russia

Religion in Russia (2012)[1][2]

  Muslim (6.5%)
  Unaffiliated Christian (4.1%)
  Other Orthodox (1.5%)
  Neopagan and Tengrist (1.2%)
  Tibetan Buddhist (0.5%)
  Other religions (1.7%)
  Spiritual but not religious (25%)
  Atheist and non-religious (13%)
  Undecided (5.5%)

Irreligion was officially state policy during the Soviet Union and was rigorously enforced.[3] This led to the persecution of Christians in the country.[4] Since the collapse of Communism, Russia has seen an upsurge of religion.[5][6] Adding together those who are undecided, those who are spiritual but not religious, and those who are atheistic, as of a 2012 survey, 43.5% of Russians claim no particular religious affiliation.

Many Russian secularists feel that the new religious establishments are now abusing the system for their own advantage despite the separation of church and state in the Russian Constitution.[7][8][9] Most Russians believe that the state and church should be separate.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Arena - Atlas of Religions and Nationalities in Russia. Sreda.org
  2. ↑ 2012 Survey Maps. "Ogonek", № 34 (5243), 27/08/2012. Retrieved 24-09-2012.
  3. ↑ "Russians Return to Religion, But Not to Church". Pew. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Atheism: From Russia, Without Love". Time. 1964-03-13. Retrieved 2012-07-04.
  5. ↑ "How Russians survived militant atheism to embrace God". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2012-07-04.
  6. ↑ Steinfels, Peter (1993-12-10). "Atheism Is Said to Fade in Russia". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-07-04.
  7. ↑ "Russia’s Atheists Organize to Protect and Promote Secularism". Georgia Daily. Retrieved 2012-07-04.
  8. ↑ "In Putin’s Russia, little separation between church and state". Washington Times. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  9. ↑ "Russian church leader rejects criticism over state ties". Reuters. 2012-08-16. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  10. ↑ "Russians want Church out of politics". Russia Today. Retrieved 2013-11-29.