I am currently reading Leo Tolstoi's "The Kingdom of God is Within You." In the beginning pages, he states, "But while we adhere to the doctrine of non-resistance and passive submission to enemies, we purpose, in a moral and spiritual sense, to assail iniquity in high places and low places, to apply our principles to all existing evil, political, legal, and ecclesiastical institutions, and to hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world will have become the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ."
What are the evils of the kingdoms of this world politically, legally, and ecclesiastically?
Tolstoi (translated as "Tolstoy" in English) was born into Russian nobility in 1828. His writings, including Anna Karenina, War and Peace, and Confession focus on the brutality of the Russian czar and the oppression of the ruling class.
Matthew 5:38-48, NASB
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
1 comment:
it's been added to the list "need to reads"
Post a Comment