Editing 78-11-A7 (section)

=== Transcript ===
How much do we really know about religious freedom in the land of Karl Marx? Some of the more detente-minded would have us believe it's alive and well.
I'll be right back.

I think sometimes there is a built-in optimism in Americans that makes us want to believe that things are all right in other lands and other places. Perhaps it's this happy outlook that makes us accept the stories of returning travelers from behind the Iron or the Bamboo Curtains.

There's plenty of evidence indicating that visitors to the various workers paradises are treated to showcase tours but carefully kept from seeing things as they really are. Of late we've had the make-believe exposed by visitors to Cuba, China and elsewhere who with courage and persistence risked possible imprisonment to look behind the false front.

One of the more prevalent myths has to do with religious freedom and whether it does or does not exist in those lands where Karl Marx is hailed as the Messiah. The World Council of Churches seems unable to believe that religion might be forbidden fruit in the Communist world. The fact that a few churches in Russia remain open and are attended by an ever-shrinking group of senior citizens, makes the Council ignore the uncompromising Marxian denial of god. He swore that his paradise could only be realized by destroying the church. He had a special hatred for the Hebrews, possibly because the God of Moses is also the God of Christianity.

Not too long ago, Austrian journalists got hold of the examination being given school children in Czechoslovakia. They made their findings public and it does seem to answer those who've denied that communism and religious persecution go hand-in-hand.

There are 15 questions in the examination but I think three are enough to settle any argument. In giving the test the students are instructed that they are to answer correctly, truthfully and honestly. Question one, quote. "If you are religious are you aware that your religious rating will form a serious obstruction with a view to your future career?" Unquote. If that one isn't discouraging enough, try this one: "Our school is educating you as a skilled worker of the future. Since you will participate in the leadership of the production process, your attitude toward religion must be clear. For this reason, the school has the right to influence your religious attitude and your feelings in respect to your future job. Does the school, the teaching staff, do this with conviction? Answer yes or no."

Now if that one isn't enough to put a little Ivan's teacher on notice, here's sample number three: "During your term of study at the school, was enough insight and help given in the battle against religion and its pressures and in the formation of a scientific view of the world?"

Well so much for religious freedom in the world of communism. I doubt that many children behind the curtains treasure gold stars for Sunday School attendance.

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.
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