Question 1

The persistent gap between Christian teachings of love and non-violence and societal actions undermines the credibility of religious and secular authorities, hindering the realization of a truly Christian society.

Accepted Answer

The inconsistency between Christianity and violence is a central theme, focusing on the contradiction between the teachings of Christ and the actions of both religious and secular authorities. Christianity, at its core, promotes love for all, including enemies, and non-violence. However, society often contradicts these principles, engaging in wars and conflicts. This inconsistency is particularly evident in the actions of religious authorities who, while professing to follow Christ's teachings, often support or even participate in violent acts. Similarly, secular authorities, despite often claiming to uphold Christian values, frequently resort to violence to maintain control or resolve disputes. This contradiction is not only morally problematic but also undermines the credibility and integrity of these authorities. The principle of non-violence is not just a moral ideal but a practical solution to societal conflicts. Yet, its implementation is often hindered by those in power, leading to a persistent gap between the teachings of Christianity and the reality of societal actions. This inconsistency is a significant obstacle to achieving a truly Christian society, as it perpetuates violence and conflict, contrary to the teachings of love and peace central to Christianity.

Question 2

The interpretation of Christ's teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount, is often skewed by societal and cultural factors, leading to a disconnect between believers and the clergy.

Accepted Answer

The interpretation and misinterpretation of Christ's teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, have been a point of contention between believers and the clergy. The Sermon on the Mount, which includes the commandment of non-resistance to evil, is considered by some to be of divine origin and obligatory for a Christian. However, the clergy often inculcate doctrines that contradict these teachings, thereby depriving the doctrine of Christ of its significance.

The Sermon on the Mount and the Nicene Creed are seen as mutually exclusive, with the belief in one negating the other. If a person sincerely believes in the Sermon on the Mount, the Nicene Creed and the Church lose their meaning for him. Conversely, if a person accepts the Nicene Creed and the Church, he finds no use for the Sermon on the Mount. This has led to efforts by the Church to obscure the meaning of the Sermon on the Mount and draw people towards them.

The interpretation of Christ's teachings has also been influenced by societal and cultural factors. The teachings are often seen as impractical and not suited to modern industrial times. This view is often held by both believers and non-believers, leading to a further misinterpretation and misunderstanding of Christ's teachings.

The teachings of Christ, as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount, are seen as a series of delightful but unpractical visions, suited to the artless, half-civilized Galileans who lived 1800 years ago, or to the Russian semi-barbarous peasants, but not adapted to the lofty plane of European culture. This has led to a failure to comprehend the doctrine of Christ in its true, simple, and actual meaning.

Question 3

Despite preaching peace and love, the Church perpetuates both physical and psychological violence through its system of authority and control.

Accepted Answer

The Church, as an institution, plays a significant role in perpetuating violence, often under the guise of maintaining order or defending the faith. This is achieved through a complex system of authority, where the Church's teachings are often used to justify acts of violence. The contradiction between the Church's teachings of peace and love, and its endorsement of violence, is often overlooked or rationalized by its followers.

A prime example of this is the Church's stance on war. Despite the clear teachings of Christ advocating for non-violence and love for one's enemies, the Church has often supported wars, even labeling them as 'holy' or 'just'. This contradiction is often justified by the Church through the argument of 'necessary evil', claiming that violence is sometimes needed to maintain peace and order.

Furthermore, the Church often uses its authority to silence dissent and maintain its power. This is evident in the historical persecution of individuals or groups who challenged the Church's teachings or authority. The Church's use of violence in these instances is often justified as a means of preserving the faith and protecting its followers.

The Church's role in perpetuating violence is not limited to physical acts. It also extends to psychological and emotional violence, such as the instilling of fear and guilt, to control its followers. This is often achieved through teachings that portray non-compliance or dissent as sinful, thereby manipulating followers into submission.

In conclusion, the Church, despite its teachings of peace and love, plays a significant role in perpetuating violence, both physical and psychological, through its system of authority and control.

Question 4

The current interpretation of Christianity, riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions, urgently needs realignment with its original teachings of peace, non-violence, and love.

Accepted Answer

The current interpretation of Christianity is riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions, leading to a pressing need for a new understanding. This new understanding should be rooted in peace and non-violence, aligning with the teachings of Christ. The current state of affairs, characterized by violence and wars, is a stark contradiction to the Christian doctrine of love, meekness, and forgiveness. This contradiction is not only evident in the actions of individuals but also in the structures of the state, which often resort to violence and despotism. The true essence of Christianity, which is about non-resistance to evil and complete freedom from fetters, is often misunderstood or ignored. This has led to a situation where the majority of people fail to comprehend the simple and clear commands of Christ, leading to a distorted interpretation of Christianity. This distortion is further perpetuated by the church and religious authorities, who often evade the vital questions about the inconsistencies between their actions and the teachings of Christ. This evasion is often achieved through silence or by providing evasive answers that do not address the core issues. This has led to a situation where Christianity, as it is currently understood and practiced, is far removed from its original teachings. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new understanding of Christianity that aligns with its original teachings and promotes peace and non-violence.

Question 5

The power of truth triggers gradual societal change, starting with a few individuals and eventually compelling the majority to recognize it, leading to transformative shifts in social organization.

Accepted Answer

The power of truth is immense and its influence on societal change is inevitable. This process of change, however, is often slow and gradual. It begins with a small number of individuals who intuitively grasp the new truth and incorporate it into their lives. As more people acknowledge this truth, it becomes more clearly manifested and easier for others to grasp. This process can be likened to the ballasting of a ship, where the ballast, representing the new truth, is gradually added to maintain equilibrium.

This process of change is not only internal but also external. Large numbers of people, often those lower in intellectual development, adopt the new truth en masse, driven by their confidence in those who have already accepted it. This creates a public opinion that compels the majority, who previously opposed the new truth, to recognize it.

An example of this process can be seen in the spread of Christianity. Initially accepted by a limited number, it gradually spread as more people acknowledged its truths. This was not only due to individual conversions but also due to external influences that accelerated the process.

The power of truth and the process of change are also evident in societal shifts from one system of life to another. These shifts often start slowly, with individuals accepting the new truth one by one. However, once the new truth gains a certain hold, the shift happens rapidly and en masse, leading to a transformation in the social organization.

Question 6

Accepted Answer

Leo Tolstoy's "The Kingdom of God is Within You" is a profound exploration of Christianity and its true essence. Tolstoy argues that the church has distorted Christ's teachings and that true Christianity, which is pacifist and centered on the Sermon on the Mount, is against the state. He asserts that people must strive for inner perfection and the establishment of the Kingdom of God within themselves. Tolstoy criticizes the church and state for their hypocrisy and violence, and advocates for a life of truth, love, and non-resistance to evil. He believes that the realization of the Kingdom of God is possible only through the acknowledgment and profession of truth by each individual.

10 Actions/Facts:

1. Tolstoy emphasizes the importance of non-resistance to evil, a principle he believes is central to Christ's teachings.
2. He criticizes the church for distorting Christ's teachings and using religion to uphold the state and its violent actions.
3. Tolstoy argues that true Christianity is pacifist and incompatible with the state, which relies on violence and coercion.
4. He believes that people should strive for inner perfection and the establishment of the Kingdom of God within themselves.
5. Tolstoy asserts that the Kingdom of God is not a future paradise, but a present reality that individuals can realize within themselves.
6. He criticizes the hypocrisy of the church and state, which preach love and peace while perpetuating violence and inequality.
7. Tolstoy advocates for a life of truth, love, and non-resistance to evil, which he believes is the path to realizing the Kingdom of God.
8. He believes that the realization of the Kingdom of God is possible only through the acknowledgment and profession of truth by each individual.
9. Tolstoy argues that the pursuit of external improvements or changes in society is futile without first achieving inner transformation.
10. He asserts that every individual has the power to bring about the Kingdom of God by living according to their conscience and the truth.

The Kingdom of God is Within You - Book Summary (2024)