p The religious consciousness is a specific form of social consciousness that produces an unscientific reflection of reality. It is faith in the supernatural -in God, in spirits, in life after death, and the like.

p Originally, religion sprang from the domination of nature’s elemental forces over primitive man; religious ideas were a fantastic reflection in men’s minds of the external forces that dominated over them.

p Religion’s diverse social role can be traced throughout the history of class society. The present day also provides numerous examples of the different ways in which religious dogma is being used by contending socio-political forces. Heterogeneous social and political make-up of those united by identical religious beliefs accounts for the wide spectrum of diverse views.

p Religious establishments and organisations are increasingly occupied with current social problems, both so-called global problems (relating to war and peace, ecology, food, energy, etc.) and those pertaining to socio-political development, 169 culture, morality and the conscience and responsibility of citizens.

p Marxist-Leninist parties pay due attention to the role of religion in contemporary social development and to its influence on the masses. Marxists show deep regard for those who work for peace, whatever their religious belief. Differences in attitude to religion must not be an obstacle to international co-operation among fighters for democracy, freedom, and independence, among all peace-loving forces in the world. On the other hand, Marxists combat the alliance of reactionary clericals and the forces of imperialism and aggression.

p When the basis changes, the superstructure does not change accordingly at once. It changes some time afte. the basis. And this lag accounts for the survival of old ideas and notions, including religious notions in the life of society. More, old habits and customs are extremely tenacious and long-lived, and survive in the new environment as aftermaths of past times.

p Marxism-Leninism provides the only correct scientific criticism of religion as a social phenomenon maintained and encouraged by the exploiter classes.

In the setting of developed socialism, Soviet people move farther and farther away from religion, espousing the materialist views and overcoming religious illusions that hold down people’s 170 civic activity. Humanist objectives related to the development of the personality are achieved by atheistic education and the propaganda of the materialist vision of the world.