Tolstoy: The Unsung Protestant Reformer of Russia
Manage episode 443638949 series 3605000
What if the path to true peace and justice isn't through resistance, but through embracing the concept of non-resistance to evil? Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's profound spiritual journey and his disillusionment with institutionalized religion, we explore how his radical interpretation of "do not resist evil" redefines strength and justice. Rather than advocating passive submission, Tolstoy's philosophy calls for an inner resilience that challenges societal norms and critiques institutions like courts and governments. We unpack how his transformative ideas demand personal reflection and emphasize that real change must begin within ourselves—echoing his belief that the "kingdom of God is within you."
Join us as we reflect on Tolstoy's exploration of idealism and the often messy reality of change through the lens of his fiction. His flawed characters struggle with maintaining their principles in a complex world, mirroring our own battles with systems of violence and oppression. Tolstoy's timeless challenge invites us to examine our roles and make conscious choices that embody the change we wish to see. As we contemplate the possibilities of embracing non-resistance in our own lives, we are reminded that building a better world begins with individual transformation, one act of love and non-resistance at a time.
Chapters
1. Tolstoy's Radical Non-Resistance Philosophy (00:00:00)
2. Tolstoy's Call to Self-Reflection (00:12:40)
12 episodes