Militant atheism is a term applied to atheism which is hostile towards religion. Historically, the main usage of the term refers to the doctrine advocating the propagation of atheism among the masses, as well as the combating of religion as a harmful
aberration, which was often undertaken by atheist states. This application of the term was an integral part of the materialism of Marxism-Leninism, and significant in the French Revolution, the Soviet Union, and Great
Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
Student: Have there ever been any antireligious extremists?
Professor: Yes, in
the Soviet Union for example,
militant atheism was official doctrine; churches, mosques, and temples were
liquidated and those that remained were forbidden to give to the poor or carry on educational activities. Moreover, thousands of believers were imprisoned or executed.
