The Kingdom of God Is Within You

By: Leo Tolstoy

Narrated by: Malk Williams, Stephane Cornicard

“There is one thing, and only one thing, in which it is granted to you to be free in life… that is to recognise and profess the truth.”

The culmination of a lifetime of philosophical thought and consideration, The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893) is a powerful treatise on faith, morality and the futility of violence. It was banned in the author’s native Russia because of its advocacy of pacifism, its questioning of the established socio-political order and its criticism of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Tolstoy redefines Christianity as a personal, moral revolution rather than a mystical or institutional faith and advocates for a life of moral integrity and personal connection to God, envisioning a society transformed not by force, but by individuals acting according to their consciences. His radical rejection of organised religion and state violence has inspired generations of reformers, from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr.

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and social reformer, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time. He is best known for his epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, both celebrated for their intricate character development and profound exploration of moral dilemmas and human nature. In his later years, Tolstoy experienced a spiritual awakening which led him to reject materialism and embrace a life of simplicity, seeking to align his life with his beliefs about non-violence and compassion. Tolstoy's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on literature and philosophy.

Public Domain (P)2022 SNR Audio

Complex and Deep

This book is a bit heady. Serving as Tolstoy's defense of his earlier work "What I Believe", this book is a deep dive into his stance regarding his literal interpretation of non-resistance to evil found in the Bible (Matthew 5:39). It's a lot to get through as Tolstoy provides example after example of why true Christian faith should reject war, armies, and government. There are a few "a-ha" moments as a ready, but for the most part the journey through the book is arduous.

Explanation of Christianity

Tolstoy does a wonderful job putting perspective on the intricacies of Christ’s teachings versus the practice of his teachings. It’s still applicable and thought provoking over 100 years later.

Tolstoy's insight that trance da time.

Advice that can be applied to our time as well as that of his late 19th century Russia.

Tolstoy at his best

There is no doubt that “The Kingdom of God is Within You” seeks to answer the age old questions of men since the beginning of time. Tolstoy was against violence meaning he believed all Christians should disavow all kinds of violence, including military service and defense. He makes some very valid points. Violence begets violence and this is essentially his point. And typically non believers seek power through violent means. All of his questions and viewpoints feel as if they were written today. Malk Williams narration is superb.

Heresy

Not what I thought at all. Read with caution and compare with scripture. Also super monotone