Tom McKone's Reviews > The Kingdom of God Is Within You

The Kingdom of God Is Within You by Leo Tolstoy

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Nophoto-m-50x66
's review
Aug 25, 10

bookshelves: currently-reading
I own a copy

Tolstoy is my favorite writer.
'The Kingdom of God Is Within You' is a book that heavily influenced Gandhi in his epic battle for justice and compassion within and, then, against the British Empire.

It is not what you might think though. It is heavily censorious of prevailing assumptions in Christianity as they were practiced in the 18th century.

Tolstoy is a radical and allows Christians no wriggle room. You are either a believer and follow the spirit and teachings of Jesus or you are not. It is only in living by the teachings that one becomes a Christian. He gives very little attention to any Christologies. What one may believe about the afterlife has very little sway here.

His main criticism of religion is that it might actually serve as an obfuscation and hinder one in ascertaining the real message and value of Jesus' teachings. Religion might prevent Jesus from coming into one's life. Christ is what most people want; a simple affirmation. But, to Tolstoy, belief requires more.
Hence, a point of view: no Jesus, no Christ.

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