The Kingdom of God Is Within You
What is The Kingdom of God Is Within You about?
The Kingdom of God Is Within You is the most influential work of Christian anarchism. It might be considered the founding work of that tradition if it didn’t itself claim to merely be pointing out Christian anarchism as the plain meaning of the gospels. Tolstoy argues that institutional Christianity with its doctrines, church hierarchies, and ritual practices, is anti-Christian. Christ, he says, explicitly told his followers to reject doctrines, church institutions and hierarchies, and ritual practices, and instead to love truth, to honor God, and to treat all people as your family and as you would want to be treated. Tolstoy says that a Christian cannot participate in the political system, which is based on the use of violence to enforce the separation of people and the privileging of some people over others, and at the same time follow Jesus in his command to love your neighbor.
Main themes in The Kingdom of God Is Within You
Nonviolent resistance
The presence of nonviolent resistance in The Kingdom of God Is Within You connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Christian anarchism
Christian anarchism emerges as a defining element in The Kingdom of God Is Within You, shaping character development.
State criticism
The Kingdom of God Is Within You thoughtfully explores state criticism through its central conflicts.
Pacifism
The Kingdom of God Is Within You thoughtfully explores pacifism through its central conflicts.
Why The Kingdom of God Is Within You is still relevant today
The Kingdom of God Is Within You is Tolstoy's treatise on nonviolent resistance, directly influencing Gandhi and through him, Martin Luther King Jr. Arguing that true Christianity requires rejecting violence, Tolstoy challenges both state authority and institutional religion. It's one of the most politically influential books ever written.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Kingdom of God Is Within You about?
Tolstoy argues that Jesus's teaching forbids all violence, making true Christians unable to serve in armies, use courts, or support state coercion. He advocates passive resistance and predicts governments will eventually collapse under this moral pressure.
How did this book influence Gandhi?
Gandhi read this book as a young lawyer in South Africa. It transformed his thinking, confirming his instinct toward nonviolence and providing philosophical foundation for satyagraha. Gandhi and Tolstoy corresponded before Tolstoy's death.
Is this a religious book?
Yes, though Tolstoy rejects church Christianity. He bases nonviolent resistance on Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, arguing churches have betrayed this teaching by blessing wars. His religion is ethical rather than dogmatic.
What is Christian anarchism?
Tolstoy argues that true Christianity is incompatible with state authority, which relies on violence. Christians should neither participate in government nor support its coercion. This position is called Christian anarchism.