Question by harajukulover917: Are people living in Russia allowed to practice religion?
I have recently taken an interest in Russia, especially some the architecture like St. Basil’s Cathedral. If I’m not mistaken, Russia is a communist nation like China. In China (I don’t know how else to word this) the citizens are not allowed to practice religion but isn’t Russia the center of Eastern Orthodox? Is there an exception in Russia to practice religion?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Amber
Considering that it’s a Democracy and over 80% of the population claims to be Russian Orthodox, that would be a yes.
Communism fell in Russia way back in 1991.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Jeffrey says
You are mistaken. The USSR was Communistic, Russian is Democracy. Most people ( over 80% ) in Russian claim to be Christians – Russian Orthodox, a few are Muslin and the rest Jewish or Buddist ( or some other religion or not religions) .
When I was over in Russian working a missionary in 2001 they often asked me if I was a Christian, and how could I be a Christian if I did not worship as a Orthodox Christian.
So, please learn more about Russia… it is a very cool country.
aaronmsl says
As mentioned, Russia isn't communist anymore, although it's brand of democracy is not exactly what most in the west would associate with the word.
Russian orthodoxy has made a fairly strong comeback since the end of communism, and there are minority groups of various other sects in the country as well.
Note that although Ivan (the IV I think) tried to make Moscow into the "third Rome", Russia is not the centre of Eastern Orthodoxy, only of Russian Orthodoxy.
Jeebus Chrust [DAAAA says
In Soviet Russia, history class fails you.
Silly Salamander says
Russia hasn't been communist for a while now.
China has had freedom of religion since the 1978 Constitution, and it recognizes Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism.
kristinlvt says
Russia is no longer communist; they are now experiencing the wacky excesses of unbridled capitalism. The days of forced atheism are over and 45%-80% of the people consider themselves Russian Orthodox.
I have heard that Catholics and Protestants find it hard to get official sanction to practice their religion in Russia — they have difficulty owning church buildings and such.
kεls&epsilon says
In China, they are allowed to practice Buddhism or Confucianism, but Christianity is banned. There's a large underground following, however.
I believe Russia is more accepting of various religions (as I recall).
wombathon says
you can't have been taking too much interest in russia. It's hasn't been communist for almost 20 years