Anatoly Fastenko

 Anatoly Fastenko

We learn from the stories of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn about the difficulties that existed in the Soviet Union because of the envy of socialism and communism. Initially, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a sympathizer of Lenin and later would renounce socialism and communism for Christianity. We learn that Anatoly Fastenko was an individual that described to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn the need to renounce idol worship. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn did not understand what Anatoly Fastenko was telling him while in gulag, yet would later understand that idolatry does not help anyone.

Anatoly Fastenko would give Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn knowledge about the need to keep learning and not practice idolatry. Anatoly Fastenko told Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn to have healthy skepticism concerning living in the Soviet Union due to the amount of temporary lies, envy, deceit, and hate that existed. We learn that the Soviet Union only lasted seventy years because of the manner that there were no incentives. We learn that individuals that were capable, loyal, and impressive were envied and hated by the socialists and communists.

We learn about this in the story of Anatoly Fastenko about the manner that Anatoly Fastenko was a hard worker who also learned about history and science. Because of his knowledge of the Soviet “revolutions” and being able to speak truth, the socialist Soviets did not appreciate him. We learn that he was taken to gulag so that he could not speak truth. Anatoly Fastenko was still able to speak truth and teach Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn about not idolizing people and the need to have healthy skepticism.

Anatoly Fastenko was an individual that was of an older age knowing about the revolutions of Russia since 1905. We learn that Anatoly Fastenko knew the truth about the Soviet “revolutions” knowing that they were a guise of attempting to help the people while actually leading to persecution and idolatry. This was understood when Anatoly Fastenko described that the Bolsheviks persecuted the working class and the agricultural workers displaying their true self. Anatoly Fastenko kept speaking truth and helped Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn realize the truth about the Soviet Union after conversations with multiple individuals in gulag. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn renounced idolatry seen in socialism for King Jesus Christ.

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Figures of History and Individualism allows us to persevere knowing that throughout history there have been righteous individuals that decided to practice good and not practice sin. We are able to persevere knowing that there is no need to fear nor have negative emotions knowing that we trust in the Creator and not in idolatry. We are able to learn about righteous individuals that decided to speak truth and help others even when there are lies being told that attempt to lead individuals to disobedience and the practice of sin. We can persevere without practicing sin and idol worship.