Changes

[[Image:Asia pol00.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Political boundaries of Asia]]

[[Image:Asia pol00.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Political boundaries of Asia]]

Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'', "most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed 'Confucian societies'. It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905135558/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref>  

Razib Khan points out in ''Discover Magazine'': "most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed 'Confucian societies'. It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905135558/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref>  

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Western atheism and race]]

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Western atheism and race]]

[[Desecularization]] is the process by which [[religion]] reasserts its societal influence though religious values, institutions, sectors of society and symbols in reaction to previous and/or co-occurring [[secularization]] processes.<ref>''Religion and the State in Russia and China: Suppression, Survival and Revival'' by Christopher Marsh, 2011, page 11 (Christopher Marsh cites the definitions of desecularization given by Peter L. Berger and Vyacheslav Karpov)</ref>  

[[Desecularization]] is the process by which [[religion]] reasserts its societal influence through religious values, institutions, sectors of society and symbols in reaction to previous and/or co-occurring [[secularization]] processes.<ref>''Religion and the State in Russia and China: Suppression, Survival and Revival'' by Christopher Marsh, 2011, page 11 (Christopher Marsh cites the definitions of desecularization given by Peter L. Berger and Vyacheslav Karpov)</ref>  

According to the global news website ''Quartz'', Asia is going through a process of desecularization:

According to the global news website ''Quartz'', Asia is going through a process of desecularization:

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Atheism and science]]

''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Atheism and science]]

''Discover Magazines'' declares:

''Discover Magazine'' declares:

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian...

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of East Asia, in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian...

In 2022, the historian [[Niall Ferguson]] indicated that [[China]]'s population is projected to drop by 50-75% by the end of the century.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vqnpXWM0Y&t=601s Niall Ferguson on the projected drop of China's population in the 21st century]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]

In 2022, the historian [[Niall Ferguson]] indicated that [[China]]'s population is projected to drop by 50-75% by the end of the century.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vqnpXWM0Y&t=601s Niall Ferguson on the projected drop of China's population in the 21st century]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]

According to ''Slate'', "[[Protestantism|Protestant]] Christianity has been the fastest growing religion in China."<ref>[http://www.slate.com/bigideas/what-is-the-future-of-religion/essays-and-opinions/fenggang-yang-opinion When Will China Become the World’s Largest Christian Country?], Slate</ref>  [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is especially growing sharply in China.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/0111/In-China-a-church-state-showdown-of-biblical-proportions In China, a church-state showdown of biblical proportions]</ref>

According to ''Slate'', "[[Protestantism|Protestant]] Christianity has been the fastest growing religion in China."<ref>[http://www.slate.com/bigideas/what-is-the-future-of-religion/essays-and-opinions/fenggang-yang-opinion When Will China Become the World’s Largest Christian Country?], Slate</ref>  [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is growing sharply in China.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/0111/In-China-a-church-state-showdown-of-biblical-proportions In China, a church-state showdown of biblical proportions]</ref>

On November 1, 2014, an article in ''The Economist'' entitled ''Cracks in the atheist edifice'' declared:

On November 1, 2014, an article in ''The Economist'' entitled ''Cracks in the atheist edifice'' declared:

China has the 5th highest national IQ in the world with a score of 105.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> At the same time, [[Singapore]] and [[South Korea]] (which have higher degrees of religion/religious freedom) have higher national IQ scores of 108 and 106 respectively.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>  In addition, [[Hong Kong]], which has a greater degree of religious freedom than mainland China, has a regional IQ score of 108.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>  

China has the 5th highest national IQ in the world with a score of 105.<ref name="CountryIQ">[https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country WORLD RANKING OF COUNTRIES BY THEIR AVERAGE]</ref> At the same time, [[Singapore]] and [[South Korea]] (which have higher degrees of religion/religious freedom) have higher national IQ scores of 108 and 106 respectively.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>  In addition, [[Hong Kong]], which has a greater degree of religious freedom than mainland China, has a regional IQ score of 108.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>  

In the latter part of the 20th century and throughout the 21st century, China has seen a rapid growth of [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christianity]] within their nation, increased economic development and a leap in intelligence scores.<ref>

In the latter part of the 20th century and throughout the 21st century, China has seen a rapid growth of [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical Christianity]] within its nation, increased economic development and a leap in intelligence scores.<ref>

*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years]

*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10776023/China-on-course-to-become-worlds-most-Christian-nation-within-15-years.html China on course to become 'world's most Christian nation' within 15 years]

*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31556802 Are human beings becoming smarter], BBC, March 2, 2015</ref>  See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]]

*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31556802 Are human beings becoming smarter], BBC, March 2, 2015</ref>  See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism]]

Atheistic and [[communism|communist]] [[Vietnam]] has an national IQ score of 94.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

Atheistic and [[communism|communist]] [[Vietnam]] has a national IQ score of 94.<ref name="CountryIQ"/>

=== Atheistic China and sexism ===

=== Atheistic China and sexism ===

See: [[Atheistic China and sexism]]

See: [[Atheistic China and sexism]]

=== Atheist controlled, mainland [[China]] admits its men have become too feminine. China promotes education drive to make boys more 'manly' ===

=== Atheist-controlled, mainland [[China]] admits its men have become too feminine. China promotes education drive to make boys more 'manly' ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and mental toughness]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and mental toughness]]

In 2021, the [[BBC]] reported that the mainland [[Chinese]] government indicated that its men have become too feminine.<ref name="bbc.com">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55926248 China promotes education drive to make boys more 'manly'], BBC, 2021</ref> As a result, China promotes education drive to make boys more 'manly'.<ref name="bbc.com"/>

In 2021, the [[BBC]] reported that the mainland [[Chinese]] government indicated that its men have become too feminine.<ref name="bbc.com">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55926248 China promotes education drive to make boys more 'manly'], BBC, 2021</ref> As a result, China promotes an education drive to make boys more 'manly'.<ref name="bbc.com"/>

The BBC article also stated: "Last May, a delegate of China's top advisory body, Si Zefu, said that many of China's young males had become 'weak, timid, and self-abasing.'"<ref name="bbc.com"/>

The BBC article also stated: "Last May, a delegate of China's top advisory body, Si Zefu, said that many of China's young males had become 'weak, timid, and self-abasing.'"<ref name="bbc.com"/>

''See also:'' [[Growth of evangelical Christianity]]

''See also:'' [[Growth of evangelical Christianity]]

Justin Long, citing statistics from Operation World states; "From 146 million in 2010, evangelicals grow to 1.2 billion, or 24% of Asia's 4.3 billion by 2100. Evangelicals are, in this model, predicted to slip from 3% per annum growth today to 1.5% per annum in 2100, due to the projected fall in population growth. This, too, seems a fairly realistic projection. While there are significant gains in the number of evangelicals in China, growth in other places in Asia is presently fairly flat.<ref>[http://justinlong.org/2016/04/when-will-the-world-be-over-half-evangelical/ When will the world be over half evangelical?] by Justin Long</ref>

Justin Long, citing statistics from Operation World states: "From 146 million in 2010, evangelicals grow to 1.2 billion, or 24% of Asia's 4.3 billion by 2100. Evangelicals are, in this model, predicted to slip from 3% per annum growth today to 1.5% per annum in 2100, due to the projected fall in population growth. This, too, seems a fairly realistic projection. While there are significant gains in the number of evangelicals in China, growth in other places in Asia is presently fairly flat.<ref>[http://justinlong.org/2016/04/when-will-the-world-be-over-half-evangelical/ When will the world be over half evangelical?] by Justin Long</ref>

=== Ethnic Chinese and the rapid rise of Christianity in Southeast Asia ===

=== Ethnic Chinese and the rapid rise of Christianity in Southeast Asia ===

[[Russia]] spans from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia.  

[[Russia]] spans from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia.  

A large number of missionaries operating presently operating in Russia are from [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations.<ref>US State Department Religious Freedom Report on Russia, 2006</ref>

A large number of missionaries presently operating in Russia are from [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations.<ref>US State Department Religious Freedom Report on Russia, 2006</ref>

According to a survey conducted at the end of 2013, 2% of surveyed Russians identify as Protestants or another branch of Christianity.<ref>[http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/126/file/126.pdf 2013 End of the Year Survey - Russia WIN/GIA]</ref>

According to a survey conducted at the end of 2013, 2% of surveyed Russians identify as Protestants or another branch of Christianity.<ref>[http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/126/file/126.pdf 2013 End of the Year Survey - Russia WIN/GIA]</ref>

== South Korea and irreligion ==

== South Korea and irreligion ==

In 2005, according to figures compiled by the [[South Korea]]n National Statistical Office, 46.5% of the population were classified as irreligious, compared to 22.8% [[Buddhism|Buddhists]], 18.3% [[Protestantism|Protestants]], 10.9% [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholics]], and 1.7% Other religions.<ref name=koreastats>According to figures compiled by the South Korean [[National Statistical Office (South Korea)|]]. {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr:7001/ups/chapterRetrieve.jsp?pubcode=MA&seq=292&pub=3|accessdate=August 23, 2006|work=NSO online KOSIS database|title=인구,가구/시도별 종교인구/시도별 종교인구 (2005년 인구총조사)}}</ref>

In 2005, according to figures compiled by the South Korean National Statistical Office, 46.5% of the population were classified as irreligious, compared to 22.8% [[Buddhism|Buddhists]], 18.3% [[Protestantism|Protestants]], 10.9% [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholics]], and 1.7% Other religions.<ref name=koreastats>According to figures compiled by the South Korean [[National Statistical Office (South Korea)|]]. {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr:7001/ups/chapterRetrieve.jsp?pubcode=MA&seq=292&pub=3|accessdate=August 23, 2006|work=NSO online KOSIS database|title=인구,가구/시도별 종교인구/시도별 종교인구 (2005년 인구총조사)}}</ref>

In the 20th century, South Korea saw a rapid rise of Christianity within its population (see: [[East Asia and global desecularization#South Korea and global desecularization|South Korea and global desecularization]]).

In the 20th century, South Korea saw a rapid rise of Christianity within its population (see: [[East Asia and global desecularization#South Korea and global desecularization|South Korea and global desecularization]]).

''See also:'' [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

''See also:'' [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

[[China]] has the largest atheists population in the world (see: [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]]).  The Chinese population is rapidly aging, due to a lower mortality rate and its former one child policy. This will lead to a pension problem for the Chinese government.<ref>[http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/China's_Aging_Population China's aging population]</ref>  See: Asian atheism

[[China]] has the largest atheist population in the world (see: [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]]).  The Chinese population is rapidly aging, due to a lower mortality rate and its former one-child policy. This will lead to a pension problem for the Chinese government.<ref>[http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/China's_Aging_Population China's aging population]</ref>  See: Asian atheism

Like most religious conservatives within [[Abraham]]ic religions, [[Evangelical Christians]] do have higher than replacement levels of births (see: [[Desecularization]]).  China's demographics in terms of the age of its population will likely change in the 21st century due to the rapid growth of evangelical Christianity in China (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]).

Like most religious conservatives within [[Abrahamic religions]], [[Evangelical Christians]] do have higher than replacement levels of births (see: [[Desecularization]]).  China's demographics in terms of the age of its population will likely change in the 21st century due to the rapid growth of evangelical Christianity in China (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]).

== Factors related to growth of Christianity in Asia ==

== Factors related to growth of Christianity in Asia ==

The Chinese communist regime has used beatings, harassment and torture to suppress religion in China and continues to use these practices.<ref name="Amnesty1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/3b83b6e00.html |title=China: The crackdown on Falun Gong and other so-called "heretical organizations"|date=23 March 2000|publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=17 March 2010}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AESx5u6yMw Militant Atheist extremist regime persecuting and torturing Christians in China]</ref>

The Chinese communist regime has used beatings, harassment and torture to suppress religion in China and continues to use these practices.<ref name="Amnesty1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/3b83b6e00.html |title=China: The crackdown on Falun Gong and other so-called "heretical organizations"|date=23 March 2000|publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=17 March 2010}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AESx5u6yMw Militant Atheist extremist regime persecuting and torturing Christians in China]</ref>

Historically persecution has often been an ineffective means to stop the growth of Christianity in a region.<ref name="oprev.org">[http://oprev.org/2011/07/persecution-does-it-help-or-hurt-church-growth/ Persecution: Does It Help or Hurt Church Growth?]</ref> Persecution and exponential Christian growth have frequently coincided. On the other hand, persecution often coincides with diminishing Christianity.<ref name="oprev.org"/>   

Historically, persecution has often been an ineffective means to stop the growth of Christianity in a region.<ref name="oprev.org">[http://oprev.org/2011/07/persecution-does-it-help-or-hurt-church-growth/ Persecution: Does It Help or Hurt Church Growth?]</ref> Persecution and exponential Christian growth have frequently coincided. On the other hand, persecution often coincides with diminishing Christianity.<ref name="oprev.org"/>   

The historian Martin Van Crevel points out that sovereign states are losing power/influence due to technology democratizing access to information, welfare states increasingly failing, [[fourth-generation warfare]] being waged against countries and sovereign states increasingly losing their ability to maintain internal order.<ref>[http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/Articles/96spring/creveld.htm The Fate of the State] by MARTIN VAN CREVELD</ref><ref>[https://www.sonshi.com/martin-van-creveld-interview.html Martin van Creveld interview]</ref>

The historian Martin van Creveld points out that sovereign states are losing power/influence due to technology democratizing access to information, welfare states increasingly failing, [[fourth-generation warfare]] being waged against countries and sovereign states increasingly losing their ability to maintain internal order.<ref>[http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/Articles/96spring/creveld.htm The Fate of the State] by MARTIN VAN CREVELD</ref><ref>[https://www.sonshi.com/martin-van-creveld-interview.html Martin van Creveld interview]</ref>

== East Asia, China, atheism and racism ==

== East Asia, China, atheism and racism ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and medicine]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheism and medicine]]  

Razib Khanm wrote at ''Discover Magazine'':

Razib Khan wrote at ''Discover Magazine'':

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s [[atheism|atheists]] are actually East Asian...

{{Cquote|...the most secular nations in the world are those of [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed “[[Confucius|Confucian]] societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s [[atheism|atheists]] are actually East Asian...

This is not to say that East Asia is necessarily a haven for a [[Critical rationalism|critical rationalist]] perspective, what with the prominence of Chinese medicine, [[geomancy]], Korean [[shamanism]]...<ref name="blogs.discovermagazine.com">[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales] By Razib Khanm, Discover Magazine</ref>}}

This is not to say that East Asia is necessarily a haven for a [[Critical rationalism|critical rationalist]] perspective, what with the prominence of Chinese medicine, [[geomancy]], Korean [[shamanism]]...<ref name="blogs.discovermagazine.com">[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales] By Razib Khanm, Discover Magazine</ref>}}

For more information, please: [[Atheism and medicine]] ([[Traditional Chinese medicine]])

For more information, please see: [[Atheism and medicine]] ([[Traditional Chinese medicine]])

== Cooperation between Asian atheists and Western atheists nonexistent or virtually non-existent ==

== Cooperation between Asian atheists and Western atheists nonexistent or virtually non-existent ==

During the Cultural Revolution, a new form of militant atheism made great efforts to eradicate religion completely.<ref name="Revolt">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mofX6zdChgcC&pg=PA132&dq=china+militant+atheism&hl=en&ei=I_z2TZmePMGW0gGr_5CHCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=china%20militant%20atheism&f=false|title =The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century (Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion and Politics)|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|quote=Seeking a complete annihilation of religion, places of worship were shut down; temples, churches, and mosques were destroyed; artifacts were smashed; sacred texts were burnt; and it was a criminal offence even to possess a religious artifact or sacred text. Atheism had long been the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, but this new form of militant atheism made every effort to eradicate religion completely.|accessdate = 2011-03-05}}

During the Cultural Revolution, a new form of militant atheism made great efforts to eradicate religion completely.<ref name="Revolt">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mofX6zdChgcC&pg=PA132&dq=china+militant+atheism&hl=en&ei=I_z2TZmePMGW0gGr_5CHCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=china%20militant%20atheism&f=false|title =The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century (Cambridge Studies in Social Theory, Religion and Politics)|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|quote=Seeking a complete annihilation of religion, places of worship were shut down; temples, churches, and mosques were destroyed; artifacts were smashed; sacred texts were burnt; and it was a criminal offence even to possess a religious artifact or sacred text. Atheism had long been the official doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party, but this new form of militant atheism made every effort to eradicate religion completely.|accessdate = 2011-03-05}}

</ref><ref name="Contrast">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jn-kcJc47m4C&pg=PA129 |page=129 |title =Religion and Modern Society: Citizenship, Secularisation and the State |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|author=Bryan S. Turner|quote=The contrast between religion in American and militant atheism in China could not have been more stark or profound. While the Red Guards under Mao Zedong's leadership were busy destroying Buddhist pagodas, Catholic churches and Daoist temples, the Christian Right were equally busy condemning the communists.}}</ref> Under this militant atheism espoused by Mao Zedong, houses of worship were shut down; Buddhist pagodas, Daoist temples, Christian [[church]]es, and Muslim [[mosque]]s were destroyed; artifacts were smashed; and sacred texts were burnt.<ref name="Revolt"/><ref name="Contrast"/> Moreover, it was a criminal offence to even possess a religious artifact or sacred text.<ref name="Revolt"/> The death toll in 20th Cenutry China attributable to Mao Tse-Tsung's "[[Great Leap Forward]]" is estimated by reputable sources "to be as high as forty million."<ref name="Leap">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rbgK8wA7ubgC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125&dq=China+number+of+people+perished+militant+atheism&source=bl&ots=bN8QWuhcq2&sig=X2BB0iKRJbWNA8DlHzJeT2yS6to&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ZZNXUOP1KcaDywHEvYCIDg&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=China%20number%20of%20people%20perished%20militant%20atheism&f=false|page=125|title=No, We Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence|publisher=Chosen Books|date=1 October 2011|isbn=0800795202|author=Robert Stearns|quote=Reputable sources estimate the death toll in twentieth-century China to be as high as forty million, attributed directly to Mao Tse-Tung's "Great Leap Forward."}}</ref> However, following the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, many former policies towards religious freedom returned although they are limited and tenuous, as religion is closely regulated by the government.<ref name="Revolt"/>

</ref><ref name="Contrast">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jn-kcJc47m4C&pg=PA129 |page=129 |title =Religion and Modern Society: Citizenship, Secularisation and the State |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|author=Bryan S. Turner|quote=The contrast between religion in American and militant atheism in China could not have been more stark or profound. While the Red Guards under Mao Zedong's leadership were busy destroying Buddhist pagodas, Catholic churches and Daoist temples, the Christian Right were equally busy condemning the communists.}}</ref> Under this militant atheism espoused by Mao Zedong, houses of worship were shut down; Buddhist pagodas, Daoist temples, Christian [[church]]es, and Muslim [[mosque]]s were destroyed; artifacts were smashed; and sacred texts were burnt.<ref name="Revolt"/><ref name="Contrast"/> Moreover, it was a criminal offence to even possess a religious artifact or sacred text.<ref name="Revolt"/> The death toll in 20th Century China attributable to Mao Tse-Tsung's "[[Great Leap Forward]]" is estimated by reputable sources "to be as high as forty million."<ref name="Leap">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rbgK8wA7ubgC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125&dq=China+number+of+people+perished+militant+atheism&source=bl&ots=bN8QWuhcq2&sig=X2BB0iKRJbWNA8DlHzJeT2yS6to&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ZZNXUOP1KcaDywHEvYCIDg&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=China%20number%20of%20people%20perished%20militant%20atheism&f=false|page=125|title=No, We Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence|publisher=Chosen Books|date=1 October 2011|isbn=0800795202|author=Robert Stearns|quote=Reputable sources estimate the death toll in twentieth-century China to be as high as forty million, attributed directly to Mao Tse-Tung's "Great Leap Forward."}}</ref> However, following the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, many former policies towards religious freedom returned although they are limited and tenuous, as religion is closely regulated by the government.<ref name="Revolt"/>

Historically, the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] has tended to lean leftward in their politics (See: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]).  According to the [[University of Cambridge]], the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref>

Historically, the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] has tended to lean leftward in its politics (See: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]).  According to the [[University of Cambridge]], the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninsim">{{cite web|url = http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title =Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate = 2011–03–15}}</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==