A Sacred Space Is Never Empty - by Victoria Smolkin

A Sacred Space Is Never Empty is a groundbreaking history of Soviet atheism from 1917 to 1991, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between religion and politics in the Soviet Union.

Drawing on extensive archival material and in-depth interviews with those involved in Communist ideological campaigns, Victoria Smolkin reveals how atheism was reimagined as an alternative cosmology with its own set of positive beliefs, practices, and spiritual commitments.

This book provides a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of atheism for religious life, Communist ideology, and Soviet politics, shedding light on the surprising reversal of Mikhail Gorbachev's abandonment of atheism and reintroduction of religion into Soviet public life in the final years of the Soviet experiment.

With its innovative approach and wealth of new insights, A Sacred Space Is Never Empty is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of religion, politics, and ideology in the Soviet Union.