ABSTRACT
Religion and the West had played a role in Communism's survival in World War II, but Stalin and the Communists largely ignored that fact. They believed, rather, that the power of their ideology was proven in the test of battle, that it was the reason for the expansion of Soviet power throughout East Europe and East Asia. As the Cold War evolved, as the world split into bipolar camps, one led by the United States and the other dominated by the Soviet Union, the Church was torn. Catholicism remained a potent force with churches, clergy and believers. Admittedly, it was stronger in some regions than in others and it was hemmed in by the Communists in some countries, but it was still very influential, had a hold on the popular mind, was a foundation for nationalist feelings, provided a point of identity for people looking for tradition in the face of the Cold War and Stalinism.
