What Is Radical Theism
Theism is the belief of Gods existence while radical is something that affects fundamental nature of something or advocating for complete social change. Regarding this definition, we can say radical theism is wayward belief that questions the existence of God and the associated teachings. It tries to impose doubt on Gods existence citing there is cruelty, inequality, suffering, existence of a horrible hell, poverty and other binding issues that continue to distress humankind. Therefore, radical theism is rebellious; sees the Christian teachings as unachievable and thinks the requirements laid in it are too high for normal believers. This essay aims to highlight the radical theism in the presentation of Rebellion and Grand inquisitor.
Expression of existentialism
Dostoevsky uses Rebellion and The Grand Inquisitor to highlight on radical theism. In the Rebellion, Ivan, a major character, is shown as a person who questions the logic behind some of famous Christianity teachings. For instance he asks, “How can one love one’s neighbors… to my mind that one can’t love” Ivan is not moved by helping a suffering neighbor saying its “putrid and loathsome… and of charity imposed by duty, a penance laid on him.” Ivan further claims, “Christ-like love for men is a miracle impossible on earth.”
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Ivan seems to question the existence of a just God who is all-loving and still there is suffering. For instance, he talks of Bulgaria where people “burn villages, murder, outrage women, nail prisoners by the ear to the fences, hang them all.” There is also “ beastial cruelty… a great injustice and insult to the beasts.” Ivan has a radical mindset and claims people are becoming worse than beasts observing that a tiger would only kill while people “take pleasure in torturing children, cutting unborn child from mother’s womb and tossing the babies up in the air.” The people would even pull a trigger on innocent kids merciless. Therefore, Ivan says, “if the devil does not exist, but man has created him, he created him… in his own image and likeness”
The cruelty and suffering in the world that God Created makes Ivan find it hard to accept God and the world. He is troubled by the injustice brought about by the suffering that is being experienced. When he narrates of children who have suffered in the hands of those close to them, he is troubled. He asks, “Why should he know the diabolic good and evil when it costs so much? Why the whole world of knowledge is not worth that child’s prayer to dear kind God!” Ivan seems to be moved by the suffering and asks Alyosha how a just God could permit suffering of children and even creatures. These are the grounds that make him question his love for God. Alyosha is disgruntled by Ivan’s stand and reminds him of Christ of who his sacrifice to humanity brought about forgiveness and the edifice is based on his forgiveness foundation.
The grand inquisitor is Ivan’s poem confirming his believe in Christ despite his radical belief. He talks of Jesus as “in his infinite mercy he came once more among men in that human shape and walked among men.” He further observes that “he came softly, unobserved, everyone recognized him. The people are irresistibly drawn to him, they surround him, they flock about him, follow him “Of infinite compassion and the sun of love burns in His heart and power shine from his eyes.”
Ivan in this poem goes on to give a discourse on the temptations of Christ, but in a strange turn he thinks if Christ would have accepted the devils offers, he would have saved humanity. It would have saved humanity by providing for them and eventually make them believe in him. The inquisitor is of the observation that Christ rejected the offers and therefore condemned humanity. The author is of the observation that asking the believers to give up their lives and families for the sake of Christ is way too much and unachievable. He confirms this by saying “if you are so corrupted by the modern realism and can’t stand anything fantastic”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the two chapters highlight much about the authors stand on radical theism. There is much doubt and visible evidence why he questions on Gods existence. The world is full of suffering and humiliation, if there was a just and kind God he would protect the children, beasts and even people from such suffering and distress. Therefore, there is evident expression of radical atheism in the Dostoevsky artwork.
