Key Takeaways
1. The essence of Jesus' teachings is often obscured by religious institutions
The Church has surrendered to the world, and simply follows in the train of its victor.
Institutional distortion: Religious organizations often prioritize their own power and traditions over the core teachings of Jesus. This has led to a situation where the original, transformative message of Christianity has been buried under layers of dogma, ritual, and institutional self-preservation.
Consequences of misinterpretation:
- Loss of ethical guidance
- Emphasis on belief over action
- Justification of practices contrary to Jesus' teachings (e.g., violence, wealth accumulation)
- Alienation of those seeking genuine spiritual wisdom
The challenge for sincere seekers is to look beyond the interpretations offered by established churches and engage directly with Jesus' words and actions as recorded in the Gospels.
2. True Christianity involves living according to Jesus' actual teachings
The doctrine of Jesus is the light. The light shines forth, and the darkness cannot conceal it.
Practical application: Jesus' teachings were not meant to be abstract philosophical concepts, but a guide for daily living. True Christianity, according to Tolstoy, requires a radical reorientation of one's life priorities and actions.
Key aspects of Jesus' practical teachings:
- Love for all, including enemies
- Non-violence and non-resistance to evil
- Simplicity and rejection of material excess
- Forgiveness and reconciliation
- Service to others, especially the marginalized
This understanding of Christianity demands active engagement with the world and a constant striving to align one's behavior with Jesus' example and instructions.
3. The doctrine of non-resistance to evil is central to Jesus' message
Resist not evil: no matter what happens, "Resist not."
Radical non-violence: This teaching, often overlooked or rationalized away, is at the heart of Jesus' ethical system. It calls for a complete rejection of violence, even in self-defense or in response to injustice.
Implications of non-resistance:
- Rejection of war and military service
- Refusal to participate in violent punishment systems
- Responding to aggression with love and understanding
- Seeking alternative methods of conflict resolution
This doctrine challenges deeply held societal beliefs about justice, security, and the role of force in human affairs. It requires a profound trust in the power of love and goodness to ultimately overcome evil.
4. Jesus advocated for a radical reinterpretation of traditional religious laws
Jesus did not invent nothing, he promises nothing through divine power; side by side with this personal life, which is a delusion, he simply reveals to men the truth.
Spiritual revolution: Jesus' teachings often directly challenged or reinterpreted existing religious laws and traditions. He emphasized the spirit of the law over literal adherence to rules.
Examples of Jesus' reinterpretations:
- Sabbath observance: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"
- Dietary laws: "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person"
- Ritual purity: Emphasizing inner purity over external cleanliness
- Treatment of outcasts: Associating with those considered "unclean" or sinful
This approach to religious law emphasizes personal responsibility, compassion, and the primacy of love over rigid rule-following.
5. The Kingdom of God is not an afterlife, but a way of living in the present
The kingdom of God upon earth consists in this that all men should be at peace with one another.
Present reality: Tolstoy argues that Jesus' concept of the Kingdom of God was not about a future heavenly realm, but a transformed way of living in the here and now.
Characteristics of the Kingdom of God on earth:
- Universal peace and harmony
- Absence of violence and exploitation
- Mutual care and support among all people
- Living according to God's will as taught by Jesus
This interpretation shifts the focus of Christianity from securing a favorable afterlife to creating a just and loving society in the present moment through individual and collective action.
6. Modern society and governments often act contrary to Jesus' teachings
We make the word poverty a synonym for calamity, but it is in truth a source of happiness, and however much we may regard it as a calamity, it remains a source of happiness still.
Systemic contradiction: Tolstoy points out that many aspects of modern society, including government structures, economic systems, and social norms, are fundamentally at odds with Jesus' teachings.
Areas of conflict between society and Jesus' doctrine:
- Military and police forces (vs. non-violence)
- Accumulation of wealth (vs. simplicity and sharing)
- Punitive justice systems (vs. forgiveness and rehabilitation)
- Nationalism and patriotism (vs. universal love)
This realization calls for a critical examination of societal structures and personal participation in systems that may violate core Christian principles.
7. Embracing Jesus' doctrine requires personal transformation and social change
The doctrine of Jesus consists in the elevation of the son of man, that is, in the recognition on the part of man, that he, man, was the Son of God.
Holistic change: Fully adopting Jesus' teachings necessitates both an inner spiritual transformation and an active engagement with changing social structures.
Steps toward embracing Jesus' doctrine:
- Personal reflection and moral inventory
- Repentance and commitment to new ways of living
- Cultivation of love, compassion, and forgiveness
- Active non-participation in unjust or violent systems
- Working to create alternative social structures aligned with Jesus' teachings
This process is ongoing and requires constant vigilance and effort to maintain in the face of societal pressures and ingrained habits.
8. Faith without corresponding actions is meaningless
The Church confesses the doctrine of Jesus in theory, but denies it in practice.
Living faith: Tolstoy emphasizes that mere belief in Jesus or adherence to religious rituals is insufficient. True faith must be expressed through concrete actions that align with Jesus' teachings.
Examples of faith in action:
- Actively loving and serving others, including enemies
- Embracing voluntary poverty and simplicity
- Refusing to participate in violence or oppression
- Forgiving those who wrong you
- Sharing resources with those in need
This understanding challenges the notion of faith as primarily intellectual assent or emotional experience, insisting instead on its practical, transformative nature.
9. The Church has largely abandoned Jesus' practical teachings for metaphysics
The Church has explained it in such a way that it seems to be, not the doctrine of a happy life, but a bugbear, a source of terror.
Shift in focus: Tolstoy argues that over time, the institutional Church has moved away from Jesus' practical ethical teachings to focus on abstract theological concepts and rituals.
Consequences of this shift:
- Loss of moral guidance for daily life
- Emphasis on correct belief over right action
- Justification of practices contrary to Jesus' teachings
- Alienation of those seeking practical spiritual wisdom
This critique calls for a return to the original, action-oriented teachings of Jesus as the foundation of Christian life and practice.
10. Returning to Jesus' original doctrine can provide meaning and guidance for life
The doctrine of Jesus has a profound metaphysical meaning; it has a meaning as an expression of the aspirations of humanity; but it has also for each individual a very simple, very clear, and very practical meaning with regard to the conduct of his own life.
Practical wisdom: Tolstoy believes that Jesus' teachings, when stripped of later additions and interpretations, offer a clear and meaningful guide for how to live a fulfilling and ethical life.
Benefits of embracing Jesus' original teachings:
- Clear moral framework for decision-making
- Sense of purpose and connection to others
- Path to inner peace and contentment
- Guide for creating a more just and loving society
- Liberation from societal pressures and false values
This return to the source of Christianity offers a way to revitalize both personal spirituality and social ethics in the modern world.
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FAQ
What is "What I Believe" by Leo Tolstoy about?
- Personal spiritual journey: The book details Tolstoy’s own search for meaning, culminating in his embrace of Jesus’ teachings as a practical guide for life.
- Focus on Jesus’ doctrine: Tolstoy centers his interpretation on the Sermon on the Mount, especially the commandment "Resist not evil," advocating for love, humility, and non-violence.
- Critique of organized religion: He challenges the established Church for distorting or ignoring the core of Jesus’ message, particularly regarding violence and social injustice.
- Call for transformation: The work urges a radical change in both personal and social life, grounded in the literal application of Jesus’ commandments.
Why should I read "What I Believe" by Leo Tolstoy?
- Unique perspective on Christianity: Tolstoy offers a fresh, literal reading of Jesus’ teachings, stripping away centuries of dogma to reveal their original intent.
- Moral and ethical clarity: The book challenges readers to reconsider their beliefs about violence, justice, and social order, promoting a life of sincere faith expressed through action.
- Timeless relevance: Tolstoy’s reflections on peace, love, and non-resistance remain deeply relevant, inspiring readers to pursue a more just and compassionate world.
- Personal transformation: The book encourages readers to examine their own lives and consider the practical implications of living according to Jesus’ commandments.
What are the key takeaways from "What I Believe" by Leo Tolstoy?
- Literal application of Jesus’ teachings: Tolstoy insists that Jesus’ commandments are clear, direct, and meant to be practiced, not merely admired.
- Non-resistance to evil: The central doctrine is to never respond to violence with violence, which has profound implications for personal and social conduct.
- Critique of Church and society: Tolstoy argues that the Church and modern society have strayed from Jesus’ true message by justifying violence, war, and social hierarchies.
- Transformation through love and reason: He believes that living according to reason and love, as taught by Jesus, leads to true happiness and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
How did Leo Tolstoy come to his interpretation of Jesus’ doctrine in "What I Believe"?
- Personal struggle with faith: Tolstoy describes a long journey from nihilism and doubt to a renewed faith based on the teachings of Jesus.
- Key insight on non-resistance: The turning point was his understanding of "Resist not evil" as a literal command, which clarified the entire Gospel for him.
- Rejection of traditional dogma: He rejected theological interpretations that made Jesus’ teachings impractical or symbolic, insisting on their actionable meaning.
- Emphasis on reason: Tolstoy saw reason as the divine light within each person, guiding them toward good and away from evil.
What are the five commandments of Jesus according to "What I Believe" by Leo Tolstoy?
- Be not angry: Maintain peace with all, avoid anger, and seek reconciliation to preserve inner harmony.
- Do not commit adultery: Uphold faithfulness in marriage, avoid lust, and reject divorce except in cases of infidelity.
- Take no oaths: Do not swear oaths; let your word be simple and truthful, as oaths are often used for evil purposes.
- Resist not evil: Never respond to evil with force; bear offenses and do not retaliate with violence.
- Love your enemies: Extend love and prayers to all, including enemies, and reject hatred, war, and national divisions.
How does Tolstoy interpret the commandment "Resist not evil" in "What I Believe"?
- Central to Jesus’ doctrine: Tolstoy sees "Resist not evil" as the pivotal commandment, requiring absolute non-violence and forgiveness.
- Challenges societal norms: This teaching opposes the foundations of laws, courts, armies, and governments, which rely on resistance and punishment.
- Practical discipleship: True Christian living, for Tolstoy, means embracing non-resistance even at the cost of suffering or persecution.
- Contrast with Mosaic law: He argues that Jesus’ law of love and non-resistance replaces the Old Testament’s "eye for an eye" principle.
What is Tolstoy’s critique of the Church in "What I Believe"?
- Obscuring Jesus’ teachings: Tolstoy accuses the Church, especially the Orthodox Greek Church, of distorting Jesus’ doctrine to justify violence, oaths, and social hierarchies.
- Separation of ethics and metaphysics: He criticizes the Church for focusing on metaphysical dogmas while neglecting the practical ethical commandments of Jesus.
- Loss of spiritual relevance: Tolstoy argues that the Church has become obsolete, no longer nourishing the spiritual life of humanity.
- Encouragement to seek truth independently: He suggests that true spiritual seekers must look beyond Church authority to find the genuine teachings of Jesus.
How does Tolstoy address the problem of violence and war in "What I Believe"?
- Violence as anti-Christian: Tolstoy asserts that participation in war, military service, and judicial punishment directly contradicts Jesus’ commandment to "Resist not evil."
- Historical Christian pacifism: He notes that early Christians, including apostles and Church Fathers, rejected violence and did not participate in war.
- Modern contradiction: Tolstoy condemns contemporary Christians for supporting war and violence under the guise of patriotism and duty.
- Non-resistance as testimony: He urges Christians to refuse participation in violence, bearing witness to the truth by living peacefully.
How does Tolstoy explain salvation and eternal life in "What I Believe"?
- Salvation through obedience: Tolstoy teaches that salvation is achieved by fulfilling Jesus’ commandments and living according to God’s will.
- Rejection of individual resurrection: He denies the traditional Christian belief in personal resurrection, interpreting eternal life as union with God in this life.
- Life beyond death as fellowship: Eternal life is seen as a continuation of life in God, accessible through love and service to others.
- Focus on present transformation: Tolstoy emphasizes that true life and salvation are found in the here and now, not in future rewards.
What role do reason and free will play in Tolstoy’s understanding of Jesus’ doctrine in "What I Believe"?
- Reason as divine guidance: Tolstoy identifies the "Son of man" or "Son of God" within each person as the inner light of reason.
- Obedience to reason: Living according to reason and choosing good over evil is the essence of Jesus’ teaching.
- Critique of faith-only salvation: Tolstoy rejects the idea that faith alone saves, insisting on the necessity of conscious, rational effort to live by Jesus’ commandments.
- Empowerment for moral action: He believes that reason and free will enable individuals to practice the doctrine of non-resistance and love.
How does Tolstoy view personal life, work, and poverty in "What I Believe"?
- Personal life as illusion: Tolstoy describes personal, worldly life as an illusion that leads to isolation and is ultimately destroyed by death.
- Work as essential to happiness: He asserts that labor is necessary for human happiness and that serving others through work is the true path to welfare.
- Poverty as a source of joy: Tolstoy argues that living simply and close to nature fosters health, family life, and freedom from anxiety.
- Service over ownership: True happiness comes from ministering to others, not from accumulating property or wealth.
What would be the societal impact if Jesus’ commandments were universally practiced, according to "What I Believe" by Leo Tolstoy?
- Establishment of peace: Universal adherence would bring about the kingdom of God on earth, marked by peace, brotherhood, and the end of violence and war.
- Transformation of social norms: Concepts like property, justice, patriotism, and social hierarchy would be radically redefined or abolished in favor of love, equality, and non-violence.
- End of suffering: The abolition of violence and selfishness would eliminate much human suffering, creating a society where happiness and harmony prevail.
- Universal brotherhood: Tolstoy envisions a world where all people are treated as equals, transcending national and social divisions.
Review Summary
My Religion - What I Believe presents Tolstoy's interpretation of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing non-violence, forgiveness, and love. Readers found it thought-provoking and potentially life-changing, praising Tolstoy's sincerity and radical approach to Christianity. Many appreciated his focus on practical application of Jesus' commandments, particularly non-resistance to evil. Critics noted his dismissal of church doctrine and supernatural elements. Some found his ideas unrealistic but admired his commitment to living by his beliefs. The book's influence on figures like Gandhi was highlighted.
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