JOURNAL ARTICLE

Atheism and spirituality in the USSR: Can atheists be spiritual?

  • Published In: Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication, 2023, v. 14, n. 1. P. 43 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Fell, Elena 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines the complex relationship between atheism and spirituality in the Soviet Union, questioning whether Soviet citizens raised in a state-enforced atheist environment engaged in spiritual pursuits. It explores how Marxism–Leninism, as a political religion, failed to provide genuine spiritual guidance, while Soviet ideology paradoxically promoted values akin to Christian humility and asceticism. Drawing on Russian literary tradition and philosophical theories, the discussion highlights spirituality as an inward, creative process of meaning-making and self-realization, often expressed through cultural engagement and "inner exile"—a retreat into personal reflection and introversion. The article concludes that Soviet spirituality was multifaceted, shaped by a blend of ideological, cultural, and philosophical influences distinct from traditional religious frameworks.

Additional Information

  • Source:Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication. 2023/06, Vol. 14, Issue 1, p43
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Communication and Mass Media
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1757-1952
  • DOI:10.1386/ejpc_00052_1
  • Accession Number:169703719
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication is the property of Intellect Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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