Two Versions of Christianity in The Grand Inquisite by Dostoevsky

697 Words2 Pages

Two Versions of Christianity in The Grand Inquisite by Dostoevsky In Dostoevsky's book "The Grand Inquisitor" he develops two versions of Chrisitianity. One is the Roman catholic version which is represented by the G.I. or Grand Inquisitor and the other is the Protestant version represented by the Christ-like figure. The whole dialogue begins when the GI has thrown the Christ-like figure or CLF in prison after watching him do a few miracles (pg. 24). He then begins to barraage him with questions that he answers himself. And From this comes the argument of freedom. The GI then claims that because the CLF refused the 3 temptations (mainly the turning of the stone into bread) (pg27) he placed the burden of freedom on man. According to the GI if the CLF had only turned the stone into bread he would have "satisfied the universal and everlasting craving of humanity--to fing someone to worship"(pg.27). Instead the CLF rejected it for the sake of freedom. The GI goes on to say that instead of taking mans freedom from them ("by giving them bread") when you had the chance you instead choose to make it stronger than ever (pg28). The Gi sees freedom as being the main problem in man, its almost like a disease. He says that man wants happiness in life not freedom. By creating this "free" society the CLF has placed the burden of responsibility on man. Now if you think about it what he says here makes a lot of sense. Because we have the power to choose, the freedom to choose. We also have to take the responsibility of our choices. We are forced to deal with the consequences of our actions. Now you might say that's fine just make good choices and you'll be fine. Well according to the GI men are weak and are incapable of acce... ... middle of paper ... ...ave only saved yourselves but we have saved all.(pg.33) In the end a basic question arises ....Freedom or happiness? In the last chapter of "The Grand Inquisitor" we meet father Zossima, who is a Russian monk. Father Zossima pleads for a unitary brotherhood of man. He says that the salvation of Russia comes from the people(pg.70). He also says that men should love as God loved, not for the moment but for all eternity. He talks of monks stopping the beating of children, rising up and teaching them. He says that salvation will come from the people from ther faith and there meekness(pg.71). He says that fathers are to watch over the people's faith and this will not be a dream. He talks about the importance of humility. He talks about the importance of sincere prayer as well. He talks of faith and forgivness, all of these he says are the way to salvation.

Open Document