This unique work concentrates on Soviet Communism as a religious phenomenon. The author argues that communism is a religion which was undermined by a crisis of faith. Klinghoffer traces the evolution of this communist religion from Marx through Gorbachev, covering Lenin, Stalin, and Krushchev. His focus is on the parallels between the Soviet communist religion and the development of Christianity. This thoroughly researched and carefully written book will be highly beneficial to students in courses on Soviet politics, Soviet history, Marxism, and religion.
Contents: Thy Religious Come; Historic Redemption; The Prophetic Jew; The End of Days; The Religious Atheist; The Russified Mission; Bolshevik on the Cross; The Communist Religion; Tenets of Faith; The Spiritual Quest; The Social Gospel; The Soviet Church; Laying the Foudations; The Medieval Edifice: From Renaissance to Secularization and Religious Evolution; Index.