Irreligion in Estonia

Modern irreligion in Estonia began during the Estonian national awakening in the 19th century, amid a period of anti-German sentiment.

This association with Communism led to renewed distrust of irreligion as memories of the Red Terror's influence in Estonia still lingered.

State atheism was enforced, but it was of relatively low priority for the Communist government in Estonia, and religion was not a major issue during Soviet occupation.

[3] Since achieving independence from the Soviet Union, religion has not been prominent in Estonian life, and irreligion in Estonia has become passive in nature.

Courses on religion are currently optional in Estonian schools, and proponents of secularism oppose expanding religious education in fear that it would be dominated by Christian teachings.