Why did the Soviet state control houses of worship and mass-media outlets?

The Soviet state’s control over houses of worship and mass-media outlets was rooted in a desire to maintain a monopoly on power, eliminate ideological competition, and ensure the survival of the regime.12

Control of Mass Media

The state viewed media as a primary tool for propaganda and ideological indoctrination. By owning all media outlets and establishing a comprehensive system of censorship, the government could dictate the flow of information, suppress political dissent, and ensure that all public discourse aligned with official Communist Party doctrines. This control was justified as necessary for national security and the moral soundness of citizens, though in practice, it served to protect the ruling class and prevent the emergence of independent institutions that could challenge the regime.3214

Control of Houses of Worship

The Bolsheviks regarded religious belief as superstition and a threat to their goal of creating a new type of human being. By nationalizing all church property and confiscating houses of worship, the state effectively stripped religious organizations of their independence. Access to these buildings was restricted to groups that posed no threat to the state, and the government actively worked to discredit religious observances through atheist propaganda and the creation of state-controlled religious bodies. This systematic repression was designed to eliminate the influence of organized religion, which the regime viewed as a rival source of authority.21