FW: Darwin's influence on Stalin

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-----Original Message-----
From: Don Perrett [mailto:donperrett@interstrenuus.com]On Behalf Of
Donald Perrett (E-mail)
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 01:18
To: 'mahaffy@mtcnet.net'; ASA Discussions (E-mail)
Subject: RE: Darwin's influence on Stalin

While I am not a historian, except by hobby, I did minor in Russian studies,
speak Russian and had 12+ years in the military intelligence community.
That said, regardless of direct religious experience, such as theological
studies and his study of Darwin, Stalin as well as other "true" believers of
communism "must" denounce all forms of religion. Religious institutions, as
well as any other social or moral organization is considered to be an
obstruction to the concepts of communism. Communism requires everyone to be
viewed equally, in theory, and therefore any distinctive groupings are
treated as a threat to the communist system. So while he may have been an
atheist by religious or naturalistic choice, he would have had to deny any
personal views of spirituality in order to maintain the very structure he
lead. The reason that he was atheist is more likely due to his communist
views and not religious ones. His brutality on the other hand certainly had
many causes, most of which had to do with how he obtained his power, and his
fear of dissent, like Saddam. But the belief in Darwin would also have
played a role in denying the immorality of such brutality. Not Darwin's
fault, but if one does not fear punishment from God or anyone else for that
matter, then it is easy to do what you want. But as I pointed out, his
belief in atheism would have occurred anyway, whether he read Darwin or not.

Don P

-----Original Message-----
From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu]On
Behalf Of James Mahaffy
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 19:35
To: asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Darwin's influence on Stalin

Folks,

Can a historian that knows help me with this one. Was it the reading of
Darwin that moved Darwin to atheism. Nancy Pearcy in her new book
suggests that and Answers in Genesis below also suggests it.

However sometimes simple stories are more complicated. Just wondered if
these writers are right.

"But early in his life Stalin experienced a dramatic change of career.
While studying at the Tiflis Theological Seminary, he began to read the
works of Charles Darwin. He developed a critical mind and revolutionary
bent. One of his friends later said in a book—which was published in
Moscow while Stalin was still in power—that when Stalin began to read
Darwin he became an atheist."

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