State atheism

A Soviet poster from 1975 of a cosmonaut soaring over religious houses of worship with the caption: "THERE IS NO GOD!"

State atheism was adopted by Marxist–Leninist socialist states throughout the 20th century. It started in the Soviet Union as a response to the theocracy of the Russian Orthodox Church under the tsar and was meant to promote a more secular and atheistic society. Other Marxist-Leninist states (such as Cuba and Albania) adopted this line in the 20th century, but today the concept is controversial among many Marxist–Leninists, who felt it unfairly targeted various religious groups. State atheism is still practiced in China, Vietnam and the DPRK, although religion is not repressed in these countries.

Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il popularized the phrase "The people are my God" as a democratic and people-centered alternative to a state religion.