My Religion by Leo Tolstoy (1882)

Name: My Religion
Author: Leo Tolstoy

The book explores the author's crisis of faith and his rejection of traditional Christianity. It is a philosophical and autobiographical work that delves into Tolstoy's spiritual struggles and his search for meaning in life. The text is divided into two parts: the first part is a personal account of Tolstoy's spiritual journey, while the second part presents a critique of organized religion and a call to return to a simpler, more authentic form of Christianity.

By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1882 · Genre: Philosophical, Spiritual, Non-fiction · 12 chapters · 81,628 words

First lines

I SHALL explain elsewhere, in two voluminous treatises, why I did not understand the doctrine of Jesus, and how at length it became clear to me. These works are a criticism of dogmatic theology and a new translation of the four Gospels, followed by a concordance. In these writings I seek methodically to disentangle everything that tends to conceal the truth from men; I translate the four Gospels anew, verse by verse, and I bring them together in a new concordance. The work has lasted for six years. Each year, each month, I discover new meanings which corroborate the fundamental idea; I correct the errors which have crept in, and I put the last touches to what I have already written. My life, whose final term is not far distant, will doubtless end before I have finished my work; but I am convinced that the work will be of great service; so I shall do all that I can to bring it to completion.

What this Textopian page supports

My Religion is listed on Textopian as an essay by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1882 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Date: 1882 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical, Spiritual, Non-fiction, Theological, Autobiographical
Length: 81,628 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 582 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about faith, morality, and the nature of religion.
Spiritual — It delves into personal beliefs and the individual's relationship with spirituality.
Non-fiction — The text presents the author's reflections and arguments rather than a fictional narrative.
Theological — It discusses concepts of God, ethics, and religious practices.