First published in Germany in 1894, after being banned in Russia, The Kingdom of God Is within You reveals Tolstoy’s world outlook after his conversion to Christianity. He argues that the kingdom of God is within reach of all.
The core of the book deals with his nonresistance to evil, a principle Tolstoy passionately advocated. Gandhi was won over by the book. Tolstoy clearly describes the hazards that bullying governments and false beliefs produced. “The situation of the Christian part of humanity—with its prisons, forced labor, gallows, saloons, brothels, constantly increasing armaments, and millions of confused people ready like trained hounds to attack anyone against whom their masters set them—this situation would be terrible if it were the product of coercion, but it is above all the product of public opinion.”
Abhorring the violence of revolution, Tolstoy calls on Christians to remember that the only guide for their actions is to be found in the divine principle dwelling within them, which in no sense can be checked or governed by anyone or anything else.
Not to be taken lightly!June 24, 1999 139 out of 142 found this review helpful
Thank you Leo Tolstoy for giving the world such a profound gift. This book was banned in Tolstoy's homeland, Russia, because it was considered revolutionary, it inspired Mohandas Ghandi to align his life with the Truth at any cost, and with the insanely universal dependence by nation states upon the military option, this book remains as relevant as it was on the day it was published in 1894.
Admittedly, this is not a quick read. At times, one can feel bogged down in Tolstoy's meticulous arguments. But taken as a whole, it is an inspired and inspiring work which will without fail prod the attentive reader to scrutinize one's life -- beliefs AND actions.
I believe this book will resurface time and again in the non-violent mass movements of the coming century. Read it. Absorb it. Assimilate it. The truth as revealed in this book will indeed set us all free!
From Ghandi to YOUJune 4, 2002 Abrams(Schaumburg, IL United States) 125 out of 144 found this review helpful
This is the book which sparked the spiritual revolution in Ghandi, and helped make him the unbelieveable man he was. Ghandi raved about this book in his autobiography, and I couldn't agree more. This could quite possibly be the best book I have ever read. However, two years ago I wouldn't have gotten all that I have out of it. It came in the perfect time of my spiritual awakening. By the very Truth of you reading what I am saying I would suggest you get this book RIGHT NOW! You are ready to hear what he has to say, and it will make you a better person and thus making our world better. Tolstoy is a remarkable spiritual revolutionist, and he will open your eyes to the works of others that have been suppressed throughout time. Good luck to you and take care out there!
Extremely thought provoking, one of the best books I've readDecember 8, 1998 Nitin Thakkar(U.S.A.) 27 out of 28 found this review helpful
Reading this book can, hopefully, change how persons think about truth and non-violence. No doubt Gandhi was overwhelmed by it (and tried to practise it). They lived in the same time. If everyone practices even an iota of the observations and yearning for truth from this book, the world would be a better place to live in. Definitely recommended for all who seek the Truth and are willing to try.
The most thought provoking book other than the Bible.July 4, 1998 Bob Morgan (termsaver@aol.com)(Federal Way, Wa) 44 out of 50 found this review helpful
First I couldn't put it down! I never expected it to catch and hold me with such power! It is a book that can change your thinking on many, many things, ie. governments, armies, organized religeon, land owners, employers etc.
Never have I read a more practical and down to earth reason for the use of nonviolent protest in correcting social ills. It works !
He loved Christ! I had to stop reading and reread Christ's "Sermon On the Mount" from the book of Matthew to fully grasp what Tolstoy was saying. The thought of never striking back no matter what someone else does to you has never been a part of my personality....up to now. It makes so much sence! Can I do it? It's worth trying and worth telling why.
Great, great book. The fact that it was written over 100 years ago doesn't lessen its freshness. The book is timeless. Anyone interested in truth will love it. You will be challenged.
Best Book on Christianity Ever WrittenMay 23, 2005 Jay(Tacoma, WA United States) 26 out of 28 found this review helpful
The title of the book is a direct quotation from Jesus in response to a question from the Pharisees who wanted to know when the kingdom would come. Jesus said that the kingdom of God was there at that time, not in some future time. That was his message time and again. Yet there are pie in the sky "Christians" who are still looking for signs of the "coming" kingdom in direct opposition to Jesus' simple but true teaching.
Tolstoy points out the true teachings of Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount, to the title of his book. He then compares that to the way that "Christianity" was taught all over the world in 1894 (today too) and concludes correctly that what is being taught is actually in opposition to the real teachings of Jesus, or more appropriately, anti Christ teachings, and not Christianity.
Tolstoy's writing is lucid, inspiring, and real. Anyone who denies its message will have to deny the real teachings of Jesus, which have been deliberately twisted into an arm of church and state power. Tolstoy points out just how that has in fact been so perverted.
Best secular book on Christianity ever written and just as true today as it was in 1894.
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