Anti-religious propaganda in the journal “Science and Religion” during the period of Khrushchev’s persecution

Abstract

 The article examines the methods of anti-religious propaganda in the journal “Science and Religion” of the early 60s of XX century. Two issues of the magazine are analyzed: November 1961 (one of the first issues of the magazine) and December 1963 (the end of Khrushchev’s time in power, the edge of the anti-religious campaign). The author notes that the publications of this period present religious life as a dark and destructive force which is in conflict with the human mind free from prejudices. Thus, despite the declared “scientific” nature of the disclosure of religion, the materials of the journal from basically ideological reasoning, sometimes very boldly speculating both on historical facts and on exact sciences data. In addition, the authors do not hesitate to put pressure on the emotions of readers, often demonizing specific religious personalities. The editors of the magazine are especially negatively opposed to Christianity, and the Orthodox Christianity in particular, but some of the myths of Antiquity are described in a neutral manner, in sharp contrast to the general tone of the magazine.