January 10, 2012

Video: Religion and Atheism in Russia



With the fall of Communism, Orthodox Christianity has been revitalised in Russia. However, atheism has not died out. Peter Owen-Jones explores the revival of religion in post-Soviet Russia. He takes part in the Epiphany celebration in the re-built St Xavier's Orthodox Cathedral, a busy, chaotic ritual marking the baptism of Jesus. In the face of this rejuvenated Christianity, atheists in Moscow are not impressed. The presenter hears an atheist response to the religious revival, which is put down to people needing the guidance of an external force. Peter Owen-Jones then visits an atheist debating society to consider the strength of atheism in Russia.