Product Description The essence of the social conception of life consists in the transference of the meaning of our personal lives into the life of the aggregate of personalities,-the tribe, the family, the race, the state. This transference has taken place easily and naturally in its first forms, in the transference of meaning of life from the personality to the tribe, the family. But the transference to the race or nation is more difficult and demands a special education for it... -from The Kingdom of God Is Within You
He is considered one of the greatest novelists in any language in all of human history, but Leo Tolstoy was also an influential social reformer and peace advocate. Subtitled "Christianity Not as a Mystical Teaching but as a New Concept of Life," this powerful exploration of the preachings of Jesus from a pacifistic perspective.
First published in 1893, it introduced such important 20th-century figures as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King to the concept of nonviolent resistance. This edition is vital reading for anyone wishing to understand the history of protest around the world or gain a deeper appreciation of pacifistic Christianity.
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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