The Grand Inquisitor Themes

The Grand Inquisitor Themes

Faith

They say that faith helps to cope with stress, difficulties, and mental turmoil. Religious people would probably agree with this fact, for they often say that they feel God’s love and support. Unfortunately, faith is not always about spreading love and helping thy neighbor. As soon as a believer loses an ability to think critically, faith can develop into obsession. The Grand Inquisitor might think that he is a guardian of faith, but the terrible truth is that he is no better than a murderer. He condemns people to death by fire so easily as if it is just a bit of scolding.

Rebels and the Church

The Grand Inquisitor says that people are unwise rebels who don’t even understand what dangers await them in the future. He curses them, for he knows for sure that any revolutionary ideas is a threat. The Grand Inquisitor would like to see people shivering and trembling, kneeling in the church, and praying frantically. He doesn’t want to see them free and strong, for – even he admits this fact – a free person would resist. Sooner or later, they will understand that they don’t need inquisitors, grand ceremonies, and whatnot. This is the main reason why the Great Inquisitor condemns so many people to death, he wants others to be afraid of him.

The new world

Fyodor Dostoevsky believed that the Eastern Church would unite people. According to him, it managed to stay orthodox and preserve true Christian values. However, it would never happen. Unfortunately, Fyodor Dostoevsky didn’t take into account diversity of the world. It was and will be impossible – at least for some time – to unite different people around one idea. That process wouldn’t go easily and peacefully too; more often than not such an attempt leads to wars and other kids of conflicts. Neither the Western Church nor the Easter Church nor any other religion would be able to make people join together, otherwise our planet would be called utopia.

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