The Kingdom of God Is Within You

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The Kingdom of God Is Within You

The Kingdom of God Is Within You is a non-fiction book written by Leo Tolstoy. It was first published in 1894 and is considered one of Tolstoy's most important works on Christianity and nonviolence. The book is a reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ and a critique of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Empire.

Background[edit | edit source]

Leo Tolstoy wrote The Kingdom of God Is Within You after his profound spiritual crisis and subsequent conversion to a form of Christian anarchism. The book is a culmination of his thoughts on Christianity, ethics, and social justice. Tolstoy was deeply influenced by the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the teachings on non-resistance to evil.

Themes[edit | edit source]

The central theme of The Kingdom of God Is Within You is the idea that true Christianity is incompatible with the state and its use of violence. Tolstoy argues that the teachings of Jesus Christ advocate for a life of nonviolence, love, and compassion. He criticizes the Russian Orthodox Church for its close ties with the state and its endorsement of military actions.

Nonviolence[edit | edit source]

Tolstoy's interpretation of Christianity emphasizes nonviolence as a fundamental principle. He believes that Christians should not participate in war or support any form of violence. This idea is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the command to "turn the other cheek" and "love your enemies."

Critique of the Church and State[edit | edit source]

Tolstoy is highly critical of the Russian Orthodox Church and its relationship with the Russian Empire. He argues that the church has betrayed the teachings of Jesus Christ by aligning itself with the state and supporting its military endeavors. Tolstoy believes that true Christianity requires a separation from the state and its institutions.

The Kingdom of God[edit | edit source]

The title of the book, The Kingdom of God Is Within You, is derived from Luke 17:21, where Jesus Christ says, "The kingdom of God is within you." Tolstoy interprets this to mean that the kingdom of God is a spiritual state that exists within each individual. It is not a physical realm but a way of living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Influence[edit | edit source]

The Kingdom of God Is Within You has had a significant impact on various social and political movements. It influenced prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, who adopted Tolstoy's principles of nonviolence in his struggle for Indian independence. The book also inspired the Christian anarchist movement and continues to be a foundational text for those advocating for nonviolence and social justice.