The history of Hungary is turbulent. For two years during World War II, Hungary was occupied by Nazi Germany. After its surrender in 1945, Hungary was occupied by the Soviet Union and became a communist state. During this time, the government sought to take control of every public speaking office, including that of the church. The government replaced the church leaders who opposed it and brought religious schools under its control.
As a result of this vast change to their nation, and after enduring the intensity of the wars in Europe, the people fought back. In 1956, the Hungarian Revolution took down the socialist government. Beginning on October 23 as an uprising in Budapest, it spread throughout the nation. But the people's outcry was short-lived. By November 4, 1956, the Soviets had again occupied Budapest. Hungary would remain under Soviet control until 1989.
In 1990, after over forty years of socialist rule, Hungary held its first free election. Since that time, the nation has made a hard transition from communism to capitalism. The strength of the government during this time held the country together, even though the transition meant hard economic times for many of Hungary’s citizens.
With the country as a whole throwing off socialist beliefs, there has never been a better time to evangelize. As of 2005, only 44% of Hungarians say that they believe in God.1 Hungary has the 13th highest population of people who don’t believe in God – 32-46% as of 2005.2 The nation of Hungary is in desperate need of the good news of Jesus Christ.
1 Eurobarometer on Social Values, Science and technology 2005 - page 11. Retrieved on 5 May 2005.
2 “The Largest Atheist/Agnostic Populations.” Last updated 27 Mar. 2005. Adherents.com. Retrieved on 12 Feb. 2008. <http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html>.