Religion for Justice: Analysis of the Conflicts of Humanity through Resurrection of Leo Tolstoy

Abstract

In Resurrection, Leo Tolstoy philosophically dis¬cusses the two fundamental ideas: injustice and religion. On the basis of 19th century Russia, he critically examines various conflicts of humanity which are vital for all; he pays special attention to women’s place in society, sexual abuse, purity, physical and spiritual love. Moreover, he harshly criticizes poverty, class differences, inequality between the rich and the poor, slavery of peasants, cruelty of landlords, unemployment, overcrowded cities and neglected countryside. However, he feels even more uncomfortable with the corruption and hypocrisy in bureaucracy and government institutions, uselessness of modern law and judicial system, unacceptable conditions of prisons and criminals. But most notably, he is deeply concerned with disbelief, loss of soul, impracticable rituals of the Orthodox Church, blindness of consciences and many other philosophical dilemmas which create a greater spiritual conflict for every individual in the world. Therefore, as the only possible solution to this existential crisis of mankind and these ongoing social problems, Tolstoy simply advices us to love, moreover, to reach our self-perfection, both as individuals and nations, through religion, spirituality and moral education, by following God’s law, rather than man’s. In this regard, this article brings a new understanding to some of the problems mentioned above, which still continue in our modern world today, with an interdisciplinary, sociocultural and philosophical analysis, and with references to Tolstoy’s ideas and various scientific databases. Thus, the aim of this work is to give a different point of view to the innocent minds of next generations for their natural struggle through¬¬out life. Tolstoy’s spiritual quest is especially important nowadays, when humanity is experiencing another religious and moral crisis.