Anarchism: Rejection of organised religion

Many anarchists reject both the state and organised religion. However, some, like William Godwin and Leo Tolstoy, maintained their Christian beliefs. Generally, anarchists view organised religion as an unnecessary form of authority. They argue that religions are created by people to control the masses. Religious leaders often urged the poor to accept harsh living and working conditions by promising a better afterlife for those who obey. Bakunin strongly opposed this idea, stating in God and the State that if God existed, he would need to be abolished. He believed that the very concept of God was oppressive because it served to control how people act.

While the state has often been the main target of anarchists, they criticize any form of enforced authority. Anarchists have shown strong resentment towards the church, particularly in the nineteenth century. This may explain why anarchism has thrived in countries with deep religious roots, such as Catholic Spain, France, Italy, and Latin America, where it has voiced opposition to religious authority.

Anarchists challenge organized religion to highlight their broader issues with authority. Religion is viewed as a source of power itself. The concept of God suggests a supreme being with unquestionable authority. Anarchists like Proudhon and Bakunin believed that rejecting Christianity was essential for true freedom. They argued that religious and political authority often support each other. Bakunin stated that abolishing both the Church and the State is crucial for society's liberation. Anarchists see religion as a support for the state, promoting obedience to both spiritual and earthly leaders. Rulers have historically used religion to justify their power, as shown in the idea of the divine right of kings.

Religion also enforces moral standards and acceptable behavior on individuals. It demands conformity to definitions of 'good' and 'evil' set by religious leaders. This limits individual moral freedom and the ability to make personal ethical decisions. However, anarchists do embrace ideas of spiritual fulfillment and human perfection. Some early anarchists were influenced by millenarian ideas, and anarchism has often been linked to political millenarianism. Many modern anarchists are drawn to new-age spiritualism, or Eastern mysticism such as Daoism and Zen Buddhism, which promote personal insight, tolerance, respect, and harmony with nature.