„Kriegshetze, Sabotage und Spionage“. Eine Analyse der antikirchlichen Argumentationslinien im SED-Presseorgan „Neues Deutschland“ während des „Aufbaus des Sozialismus“ 1952/53

Abstract

“Warmongering, Sabotage, and Espionage”. An Analysis of Anti-Church Argumentation in the SED’s Official Press Organ “Neues Deutschland” During the “Building of Socialism” 1952/53

The following paper depicts the anti-church arguments presented in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) press organ “Neues Deutschland” (“ND”) in the years 1952 and 1953. It will provide general information about the GDR’s church politics by examining 37 “ND” articles through a qualitative content analysis regarding the therein presented argumentation. As will be shown, various argumentative lines were used to promote anti-church ideas and defame religious institutions and dignitaries.