What happens when a government tries to erase God from society? On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew welcomes University of Dallas historian Dr. Susan Hanssen to revisit the Cold War, a period when the struggle between communism and the west shaped nations, threatened religious freedom, and brought the world dangerously close to nuclear war.

Dr. Hanssen begins with the remarkable story of Hungarian Cistercian monks who fled their homeland after Soviet forces crushed the 1956 Hungarian uprising. Finding refuge in Texas, they helped establish the University of Dallas, where their Catholic legacy continues today. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the courage required to preserve faith under persecution.

But Hungary was only one chapter in a much larger struggle. Throughout the 1960s, communist regimes continued suppressing freedom across the globe. In Czechoslovakia, Soviet forces crushed the Prague Spring, ending a brief period of political reform. In China, Mao Zedong's government punished citizens who dared to criticize communist rule.

Meanwhile, Americans faced their own terrifying reality during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the threat of nuclear war brought the Cold War frighteningly close to home.

For Dr. Hanssen, these events reveal something deeper than political rivalry. The Cold War represented a fundamental conflict between atheistic communism, which rejected humanity's supernatural destiny, and a Christian understanding of the human person as possessing freedom, dignity, and an eternal purpose.

Her message is a timely reminder that history isn't simply about remembering the past. It's about recognizing the importance of defending faith, freedom, and human dignity in our own time.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio App, check it out here.

What happens when a government tries to erase God from society? On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew welcomes University of Dallas historian Dr. Susan Hanssen to revisit the Cold War, a period when the struggle between communism and the west shaped nations, threatened religious freedom, and brought the world dangerously close to nuclear war.
Dr. Hanssen begins with the remarkable story of Hungarian Cistercian monks who fled their homeland after Soviet forces crushed the 1956 Hungarian uprising. Finding refuge in Texas, they helped establish the University of Dallas, where their Catholic legacy continues today. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the courage required to preserve faith under persecution.
But Hungary was only one chapter in a much larger struggle. Throughout the 1960s, communist regimes continued suppressing freedom across the globe. In Czechoslovakia, Soviet forces crushed the Prague Spring, ending a brief period of political reform. In China, Mao Zedong's government punished citizens who dared to criticize communist rule.
Meanwhile, Americans faced their own terrifying reality during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the threat of nuclear war brought the Cold War frighteningly close to home.
For Dr. Hanssen, these events reveal something deeper than political rivalry. The Cold War represented a fundamental conflict between atheistic communism, which rejected humanity's supernatural destiny, and a Christian understanding of the human person as possessing freedom, dignity, and an eternal purpose.
Her message is a timely reminder that history isn't simply about remembering the past. It's about recognizing the importance of defending faith, freedom, and human dignity in our own time.
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The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio App, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.