PHOTO/COURTESY OF WORLD VISION
“ nr'oDAY the people of Russia are more nationalistic -1L than communistic,” said a Christian friend of mine. In the last two years, this businessman has twelve times walked the streets of Moscow and mingled with the Russian people. I was both surprised and pleased as I listened to my friend cite illustrations. These are the questions that came to my mind: Is nationalism weakening Commun ism right at its very heart? Have the Communists been unsuccessful, after all, at indoctrinating the Russian people? Are the Communists facing at home a rival loy alty that might destroy them? Is the world situation more hopeful that it looks on the surface? As I 'have since reflected upon my experience with Communist strategy in China, I have come to the con clusion that Russian nationalism may be the cleverest weapon Communism has yet forged against us. The Communist Party in Russia is not large, but it has a grandiose end in view: the conquest of the world. To reach this goal is must have the support of the non- Communist majority of Russians. In its early history, the Party held the people in subjection through clever, persistent brain-washing and intimidation. Mass liquidation of all who opposed the Communists or who failed to co-operate with them soon produced a subjugated people. But suppressed masses do not build international strength. A cause must be in vented that would give the Russian people — millions who were not Marxists •— a sense of destiny and im portance while speeding the Party toward world domi nation. So “Mother Russia” has been made the god of the Russian people. Patriotism is taught from every textbook. While the Communist leaders are careful to check the total loyalty of each Party member, they do not force
Russian Nationalism
Friend Or Foe?
by Dr. Dick Hillis Director, Overseas Crusades
10
THE KING'S BUSINESS
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker