Description
In the introduction to his book, Kazantzakis, discussing the central theme of “The Last Temptation of Christ,” states that every moment of Christ’s life was a struggle and a victory. He conquered the overwhelming temptations of simple human desires, overcame the allurements, and worked tirelessly to transform flesh into spirit. Then he ascended, and upon reaching the summit of Calvary, he ascended to the heavens.
But even there, his struggle was not over. The final temptation awaited him on the cross, and before the eyes of the crucified Christ, the spirit of evil revealed, in an instant, the deceptive visions of a happy and tranquil life. It seemed to Christ that he had followed the easy, paved path of humanity, married, had children, and was loved and respected by the people. Now, in his old age, he sat on his doorstep, smiling contentedly as he reminisced about the longings of his youth.
How wonderful, how wise! In choosing the path of humanity! What madness in the will to save the world! What joy to escape the circumstances of deprivation, the sources of suffering, and the cross! That was the final temptation that came like a flash of lightning to disrupt the last moments of the Savior’s life. But Christ immediately shook his head violently, opened his eyes, and saw. No. He was not a traitor. Glory to the Lord! Nor was he a fugitive; he had accomplished the task God had entrusted to him. He had not taken a wife, nor lived a happy life; he had reached the pinnacle of sacrifice: he was nailed to the cross. He closed his eyes contentedly, and then a great cry of triumph rang out: The work is done! In other words: I have fulfilled my duty, and I have been crucified, and I did not succumb to temptation. Nikos Kazantzakis wrote this book to present a sublime model of the resilient human being, to show him that he should not fear pain, temptation, or death. Therefore, this book is not a biography; it is the confession of every person who struggles, and the author is confident that whoever reads this book, overflowing with love, will love Christ more than ever before.
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