Christianity and Christmas in Post-Soviet Russia: A Reassessment
For the 180 million descendants of Russian Orthodox families, the question of whether they secretly practiced Christianity and celebrated Christmas during the Soviet era has sparked much debate. Observations from the field suggest that the picture may be more complex than previously thought. This essay will delve into the status of religion in Russia during and after the Soviet period, with a focus on the revival narrative popularized by Western media like Newsweek.
Religion in the Soviet Era
The Soviet educational system was particularly effective in eliminating religion from public and private spaces. Russian citizens, especially younger generations, were largely unexposed to religious practices. For instance, a young woman named Anna, who was of Russian Orthodox descent, confided to me that she had no idea what the difference between Judaism and Christianity was. Additionally, she imagined a dark church covered in cobwebs with only a few elderly women performing religious rituals. This example illustrates the extent to which the Soviet government succeeded in severing many Russians from their religious roots.
Post-Soviet Religious Revival?
In 1994, Newsweek reported on a religious revival across the former Soviet Union, marking a significant departure from the atheistic policies of the Soviet era. However, my own experiences in Russian society cast doubt on this narrative. When I taught English literature and history at a university in Russia, I encountered significant student hostility to the topic of religion. Many students saw it as the domain of uneducated individuals or as a relic of a bygone era.
During my interactions, very few people seemed to have any knowledge of religion. For example, a friend of mine, Anna, had no idea what the Trinity was and had never seen a Bible. Another student admitted that their understanding of religion was quite limited, viewing it as something archaic and unnecessary. This observation aligns with the low levels of religious engagement. When I attended a synagogue, I noted that most attendees were interested in cultural traditions, not religious practices. Similar experiences were documented in my attendance at lectures where Orthodox priests were invited. Most attendees brought food during Lent, unaware that the season requires abstinence from meat.
Explanations and Considerations
Why did Newsweek promote the idea of a religious revival? One plausible explanation is sensationalism. The magazine aimed to capture the public's attention with dramatic claims, potentially overshadowing more nuanced realities. Moreover, the growth in places of worship may be more about cultural identity than religious fervor. For many Russians, stating their Christian affiliation often signifies an historical connection rather than a deep personal faith.
The United States provides a useful counterexample. In the U.S., 90% celebrate Christmas. Yet, how many of them are actually practicing Christians? The high percentage of Christian celebrations does not necessarily translate to a widespread religious faith or commitment. Similarly, the restored places of worship in Russia might be more about preserving cultural heritage than a genuine religious revival.
In conclusion, while the growth in religious spaces and the Newsweek article reflect changing cultural dynamics, the actual level of religious practice in post-Soviet Russia remains largely unchanged from previous decades. The revival narrative must be critically examined and contextualized to understand the true nature of religious life in Russia today.