
-
Books
-
Education
-
eBooks
-
Audio Books
-
Film & TV
-
Calendars, Diaries & Stationery
-
Giftshop
A core tenet of the Soviet Communist Party's ideology was the belief that religion was an oppressive tool, wielded by the exploiting classes. With help of the secret police, they attempted to eliminate it completely from Soviet society by, in part, imprisoning believers and attempting to "re-… more
A core tenet of the Soviet Communist Party's ideology was the belief that religion was an oppressive tool, wielded by the exploiting classes. With help of the secret police, they attempted to eliminate it completely from Soviet society by, in part, imprisoning believers and attempting to "re-educate" them in the labor camps of the infamous Gulag. However, the aims of the Gulag were conflicted, and anti-religious activities were rarely prioritized. In their absence, religious practices became important to inmates and played integral roles in their lives. Imprisoned Christians found ways to pray, read scripture, sing hymns, celebrate Easter, and commune with their fellow believers. Finding God in the Gulag tells the story of how these inmates saw their suffering as part of God's will or as a sign of the coming Apocalypse. The struggle between good and evil felt real to many, although for some, the dire struggle to survive the brutalizing world of Soviet labor camps prompted doubt, despair, and ultimately the abandonment of their beliefs. Many were also converted in the camps through the proselytizing efforts of fellow prisoners, finding in Christianity a source of hope, comfort, and community. This tension between atheism, faith, repression, doubt, and conversion endured throughout the Soviet Union's existence. Remarkably, in the last years of Soviet power, Christianity flourished in the remnants of the Gulag system and was even used by guards as a method of re-educating their inmates.
lessThis item is delivered digitally
Thanks for reviewing Finding God in the Gulag. We will process your review. Accepted reviews will be posted within 3-7 business days.
Be the first to know, stay up to date with what's trending and get staff picks in your inbox with our newsletter
Public: Allow anyone to view or shop your List
Private: No one can view or shop your List
We have kept your A&R details for your new Angus & Robertson account
We also noticed that you have previously shopped at Bookworld. Would you like us to keep your Bookworld order history?
We also noticed that you have an account on Bookworld. Would you like us to keep your Bookworld details, including delivery addresses, order history and citizenship information?
Share This eBook