The Gospel in Brief (Texts & Contexts) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Francis A. Flowers III (Editor, Preface), Isabel Hapgood (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Are you acquainted with Tolstoy's The Gospel in Brief? At its time, this book virtually kept me alive... If you are not acquainted with it, then you cannot imagine what an effect it can have upon a person." Ludwig Wittgenstein, in a letter to Ludwig von Ficker.

Product Description

The Gospel in Brief is Leo Tolstoy's integration of the four biblical Gospels into a single account of the life of Jesus. Inspired in large measure by Tolstoy's meticulous study of the original Greek versions of the Bible, The Gospel in Brief is a highly original fusion of biblical texts and Tolstoy's own influential religious views. Tolstoy explains that his goal is a solution to "the problem of life," not an answer to theological or historical questions. As a result, he sets aside such issues as Jesus' genealogy and divinity, or whether Jesus in fact walked on water. Instead, he focuses on the words and teachings of Jesus, stripped of what Tolstoy regarded as the Church's distortions and focus on dogma and ritual. The result is a work that emphasizes the necessity of maintaining one's spiritual condition in a chaotic and indifferent world.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803294328
• ISBN-13: 978-0803294325
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #624,925 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tolstoy attempts to unearth mystical meaning of gospels, October 15, 1999

By	K.T. Flubacker (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

Leo Tolstoy, in the thick of his spiritual journey, attempts a dangerous and potentially offensive act: re-interpret the gospels of the christian new testament. Abandoning the miraculous claims of the christian doctrine (Jesus' divine birth, numerous miracles of ministry, the resurrection, etc.), Tolstoy shifts his focus onto the social message of Christ. Whereas most orthodox and modern day christian churches emphasize the authority of Christ, Tolstoy considers such blasphemy and instead, emphasizes the spirit of truth, which dwells within every man, and its power towards transformation of the individual and the societal standards. Combining the four gospels into one account, Tolstoy creates a concise and appropriate representation of the teachings of the social philosopher Christ. A must read for christians and non-christians alike. Like Tolstoy, we must search for truth first and christianity second. -Kyle Flubacker

64 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The translator plays a primary role, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This translation was done by Isabel Hapgood -- a late 19th century translator. She is the WORST translator of Tolstoy. She misses most of the meaning most of the time. Constance Garnett, on the other hand, is good. Michael Glenny is superb. You have to pay attention to the translator.

35 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Father is not flesh, but spirit., September 4, 2001

By	Peter Snyder (NY United States) - See all my reviews

I have always felt that much of the Bible and the Church was hiding the heart of Christ's message. The Bible seems a tool that the Church arbitrarily canonized to use for justification; eerily much like the teachers of law that Christ came to nullify.

Tolstoy goes to the original Greek texts and renders a striking and illuminating account of Christ's message from the four gospels. He purposely does not delve into Christ's miracles or divinity. Why?

Well, Christ himself was more concerned that people understand his message of how to live one's life in the spirit than to worship him because of his divine acts. Religion is dead if it is not lived continually. Tolstoy dared to explain with clarity how to live Christ's message. It is harrowing if you understand what is asked of you.

"...small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -Matthew 7:24

I know why this was said now and is rarely emphasized in churches. Read this book if you want to change and are open to the idea that Christianity has been severely perverted.