Quotation
Last reviewed:
“Christianity in its true sense puts an end to government.”
Leo Tolstoy · Moral and political thought · Modern · 1894
What does it mean?
He reads the Sermon on the Mount, especially 'resist not evil', as a literal command. Governments rest on force, armies, courts and prisons, so a Christian who takes the command seriously cannot take part in them. This is why he is often called a Christian anarchist. A rival reading, held by most churches, says the Sermon governs personal conduct, not the state, and that without law the weak suffer first.
Did Leo Tolstoy really say this?
The library’s label is Paraphrase or translation. Checked against the Project Gutenberg text of Garnett's translation, chapter 10. He goes on: 'So it was understood at its very commencement; it was for that cause that Christ was crucified.' The book was banned in Russia and first published abroad in 1894.
Where it comes from
The Kingdom of God Is Within You, chapter 10 (tr. Constance Garnett)
Approximate date: 1894.
How to use it
Notice when an argument takes one text literally and others as metaphor. Ask whether the person applies the same rule throughout.
A mindset reading
Following an argument to its end is a test of it. Some readers find his conclusion brave; others treat it as a reductio, proof that a premise went wrong.
Understand the philosophy
The Kingdom of God Is Within You, 1894, chapter 10. The title is from Luke 17:21. Gandhi said the book 'overwhelmed' him when he read it in South Africa.
- power
- religion
- justice
FAQ
What does it mean?
He reads the Sermon on the Mount, especially 'resist not evil', as a literal command. Governments rest on force, armies, courts and prisons, so a Christian who takes the command seriously cannot take part in them. This is why he is often called a Christian anarchist. A rival reading, held by most churches, says the Sermon governs personal conduct, not the state, and that without law the weak suffer first.
Did Leo Tolstoy really say this?
Paraphrase or translation. Checked against the Project Gutenberg text of Garnett's translation, chapter 10. He goes on: 'So it was understood at its very commencement; it was for that cause that Christ was crucified.' The book was banned in Russia and first published abroad in 1894.
Which work is it in?
The Kingdom of God Is Within You, chapter 10 (tr. Constance Garnett) Approximate date: 1894.