Around the question on the ideal and belief of “realizing communism” and “lifelong struggle for communism”，regardless of academic theorists or social practice，people still have many puzzles，and even much censure and disapproval. To answer these questions，some difficult questions should be answered：Since communist society is a distant future social form，what does it have to do with the reality of today’s society？Since China is in and will be in the primary stage of socialism for a long time，what is the significance of “lifelong struggle for communism”？What is the relationship between the communist ideal and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics？To answer these questions，we should have a new understanding and scientific grasp of the contemporary consciousness，self-confidence，and practice of the communist ideal. The communist ideals generally include six aspects：the communist ideology，the communist theoretical system，the communist life and values，the communist society，the communist movement，and the ideals and beliefs of communism. Firmly pursuing communist ideals and beliefs and sticking to the communist spirit are always the fundamental reason for communists to settle down. The beliefs in Marxism，socialism，and communism are the political souls and the spiritual pillars of the communists who have withstood any test. To carry out the communist ideal and belief，we must first grasp the scientificity of the communist ideal and belief，dialectically analyze the arduousness of strengthening the communist ideal and belief，and fully understand the key to carrying out the communist ideal and belief. This is the soul and core of the ideological and political work in the new period.