The Gospel in Dostoyevsky: Selections from His Works

by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, J.I. Packer (Foreword)

The Gospel in Dostoyevsky vividly reveals as none of his novels can on their own the common thread of the great God-haunted Russian s questioning faith. Drawn from The Brothers Karamazov, The Idiot, Crime and Punishment, and The Adolescent, the seventeen selections are each prefaced by an explanatory note. Newcomers will find in these pages a rich, accessible sampling. Dostoyevsky devotees will be pleased to find some of the writer s deepest, most compelling passages in one volume. Full-page woodcuts by master engraver Fritz Eichenberg enhance the book."

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Literature, Theology, Religion, Russian Literature, Faith

265 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский (Russian)

Works, such as the novels Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880), of Russian writer Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky or Dostoevski combine religious mysticism with profound psychological insight.

Very influential writings of Mikhail Mikhailovich Bakhtin included Problems of Dostoyevsky's Works (1929),

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky composed short stories, essays, and journals. His literature explores humans in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century and engages with a variety of philosophies and themes. People most acclaimed his Demons(1872) .

Many literary critics rate him among the greatest authors of world literature and consider multiple books written by him to be highly influential masterpieces. They consider his Notes from Underground of the first existentialist literature. He is also well regarded as a philosopher and theologian.

(Russian: Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский) (see also Fiodor Dostoïevski)

Reviews

[Moon Rose (M.R.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love."

---Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

When I first read Dostoevsky, it was out of boredom. Without anything much worthwhile to do at that time, but to idle away my days at home, I asked my cousin to borrow any books available from her school library for me and she found Crime and Punishment. This was the first time I heard of him and upon reading, I found the novel completely dull and too lengthy. With pages and pages of dialogues that seemed to have no end and dramatic sequences that seemed to make no sense to me at all, I just breezed through it without much comprehension, finished it for the heck of it and promised not too touch any more of his books.

I was 21 then, ignorant and immature, a total fool, selfishly delighting in my own isolation, the first among the many that I would encounter later in my life...

The next time Dostoevsky would come to me years later would be like a Second Coming. It was during the most difficult period of my life. During the beginning of my prolonged self-imposed isolation. I was in my mid-thirties then, utterly despondent about life with still so many questions left unanswered in my mind, I became lost in the bewildering sense of my unsatisfied existence, somewhat becoming hopeless and irresolute in my decisions, uninspired and confused in the world of darkness that seemed to kill the very spirit within me that yearned for life.

It was like being in Hell, a life devoid of any meaning, completely loveless in the truest sense of the word.

He came to me like a beacon of light, a Divine Intervention of God to my somewhat lifeless existence, a sacred gift of a Higher Consciousness to a mere mortal that was thirsting for meaning.

Crime and Punishment in my second reading came in a completely different light. I was immediately snarled by Dostoevsky′s riveting narrative, discerning his tone of enlightenment to my consciousness hungering to go through the very depths of existence as he presented suffering in the novel in way I had never understood before, providing me a profound glimpse into the realms of the Divine Unknown that enabled me to relate to Raskolnikov′s own psychological journey of mental torment and eventual salvation.

The Gospel of Dostoyevsky is ingrained in these darkest tunnels of human consciousness that leads to a road we often stay away from or neglect, where the tainted seed of suffering grows within its boundaries in bountiful harvest. It is where the experience of man and his relationship with God meets on course with the world of contradictions he is facing with everyday and to eventually come out of it with a profound love in his heart, a shimmering light that can eradicate the tainted seed of doubt and darkness to see the radiance and beauty even with the inevitable presence of shadows in life.

It is to see Heaven even in Hell with the Divine Love of God as the sole torch of light. ☾☯

[Zainab A.K · Rating 3 out of 5]

أحب أن أقرأ روايات دوستوفيسكي على انها كتابات نابعة من معاناة انسانية توجب التأمل و التفكر لما فيها من نظره متعمقه داخل النفس البشرية، اما تفسير كتاباته تبعا لدين معين و تمجيده من خلالها فلم أستسغه بغض النظر عن هذه الديانه فمن الواقع ان الدين لايحتاج رواية لتمجيده...
الشيء الوحيد الذي اعجبني في هذا الكتاب هو ملخصات الروايات حيث بأمكان القارئ ان يأخذ لمحه سريعه عما تحتويه الروايه قبل البدء ان رغب!

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read some of Dostoevsky's masterpieces, I admit that arranging into a mini-anthology does not quite do justice to understanding the characters or the overall narrative scope. Nevertheless, the excerpt stories selected are powerful and I was brought close to tears as I became immersed in these profound stories of human depravity, grace, and hope.

[Gille Liath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly he was a writer powerfully affected by Christianity but is it possible to say, as this book does, that Dostoevsky was a Christian writer? There is his classic treatment of the Problem of Evil in Brothers Karamazov, for example, strangely omitted from this book (or maybe it’s not so strange): it seems to me the work of one who would like to believe, but has decided he can’t. And I’m sorry, but nobody is really Christian who can describe the Catholic church, the largest single religious denomination in the world, as unchristian or even anti-Christian. That is at best a very superficial and worldly judgement (it’s particularly rich coming from the Russian orthodox, whose church except under Communism has always identified itself uncritically with the secular Russian regime no matter how nefarious and corrupt: for them to allege caesaro-papism in the West is sheer hypocrisy).

So I don’t believe he was a Christian in any strict sense, and neither is the material in this book necessarily ‘the Gospel’. Still, without a doubt, it constitutes one of the most moving and thought-provoking encounters with Christianity in modern literature. What’s more the passages about Christianity are often the best bits of his novels, and detachable from their rambling structure; that’s particularly true of Brothers Karamazov, which features heavily here. So this book is a good idea, a digestible and shelf-space-friendly anthology of his best work; I think that you would have to read the entire novels at least once, though, to get the best out of the extracts. The translations are by Constance Garnett, ‘adapted’ as the editor tells you – without explaining exactly how or why – and the spelling Americanised; there are also some lovely woodcut illustrations.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a literal selection of Dostoevsky’s works, I was hoping that there will be some analysis of each selected works.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps no instance better reveals Dostoyevsky's depth of faith than his reaction upon viewing "Christ Taken Down from the Cross" by Hans Holbein the Younger. The image of the emaciated, bloodied and already rotting figure of Christ provoked a type of collapse in the great writer, prompting his wife-repulsed by the painting-to fear a seizure in her husband. This excellent collection of excerpts from Dostoyevsky's writings reveals what Malcolm Muggeridge calls the writer: a God possessed man. I had previously reviewed Plough Publishing's The Gospel in Tolstoy and ironically I found the works of that religious skeptic somehow warmer and more human-almost parable like than the selections in this volume. Dostoyevsky takes the reader into great religious discourse and debates; see The Legend of the Grand Inquisitor from the Brothers Karamazov, or the feverish dream of The Devil also from that work. There are also selections from The Idiot and or course Crime and Punishment. I returned-after a reading break-to The Awakening of Lazarus from that classic to discover that one must be in a frame of mind for Dostoyevsky. That story about belief and faith returned me to a night years ago with one young priest in a large New York City Church as I learned to be a lector. "I don't believe you," the young priest would shout from the darkened pews, and I would begin again. Now in the mood for Dostoyevsky I devoured Reprieve and Execution, and the Crucifixion-a return to that Holbein image- from The Idiot. There is a natural and spiritual flow in the placement of these selections, but again these works are not meant to be read lightly; they demand thoughtful reflection in the right place and time.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's regrettable to me that contemporary "Christian" literature has devolved into pedestrian pulp like the "Left Behind" series. Dostoyevsky was a literary genius, and it takes a mind and soul like his to plum the spiritual wealth of the Gospel and situate it right into the grit and slop of human living.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me feel like I might be able to tackle Crime and Punishment or The Brothers Karamazov some day. A good place to start.

[Karen Humeniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dostoyevsky takes us back to an economy, culture, and religious foundation that is barely imaginable for twenty-first-century Americans, yet his view of God's grace is timeless. As Alexis de Tocqueville noted nearly two centuries ago, the American dream stands on hope, dreams, and faith. Regardless of the opinion pressed hard by prevailing social winds, Americans still dream, hope, and turn to faith for strength. However, our dreams have dimmed, replaced by society's inordinate emphasis on self as a power unto itself-thus an island, not in a lake, but in the ocean. In contrast, Dostoyevsky reaches across time, challenging readers with a vision of fallen yet hopeful humanity's need for the Gospel of Christ that remains sharp and irrefutable. The Story of Marie in The Idiot, as told by Prince Myshkin, is particularly poignant since the prince finds comfort in the company of innocent children. Though naivete becomes his fatal flaw, the "adults" in his life ask, regarding their own lives, "Is that all there is? Is this life 'as good as it gets?'" Doesoyevsky tacitly points to Christ and answers, 'No. There more. So much more.'

[Robert Turnage · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Dostoevsky’s writing is 5/5 stars every time. This is a collection of excerpts from his novels compiled and organized with some sense of what I’d call gospel-narrative-arc, or something. It’s a really neat concept, and a great way to get a taste of some of his best works. I was just disappointed because I expected this book to be 50% more commentary— and it was only brief notes at the beginning. Oh well. Still worth the read if you’re interested in his writing and don’t want to read 1,000 pages.

[Mariem JABLOUN · Rating 4 out of 5]

حكم كوني مسلمة فقد تجاوزت صفحات كثيرة من اول الكتاب تغلغلت في جوهر المسيحية و تعمقت في فكرة الخلاص و عذابات السيد المسيح عليه السلام...
و لكن الفصل الاخير )الحياة مع الله) كان فصلا عابرا للأديان حسب رأيي. تضمن قيما انسانية يرتجف لها لفؤاد و تخشع لها النفس . أقرأ التعاليم و كانني أتمثل سيدنا محمدا يقول لنا نفس الكلام بأسلوب معاصر شفاف.

[Angela Priebbenow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting introduction to Dostoyevski's work and worldview. While clearly a follower of the Orthodox Church, his clear thinking and ideas are both challenging and interesting.

[mono · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thinking they would trace pieces back to the bible.

[Jim Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting review of Christianity in various works by Dostoyevsky. Mainly used three sources.

[Deb Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good sampling of selections from Dostoyevsky's books with references to the Gospel. Although I have read several of his books, it is can be a struggle to understand all of the references he is making. Some selections can be described as parables. Selections in this book are from Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, The Idiot and others. The selection from The Brothers Karamazov called The Grand Inquisitor is probably one of the most astounding affirmations by Dostoyevsky of his knowledge of the Gospel and Christ's purpose on earth. And it is also an indictment of organized religion, in particular the Catholic Church. Even Christ is turned away from the religious leader. If you decide to only read one selection, this should be the one. Reread the Tempations of Christ from the Bible along with it. Malcolm Muggeridge description of Dostoyevsky describes it best, "(He) was a truly prophetic figure, plunging down frenziedly into his kingdom of hell on earth and arriving at Golgotha. He had a tremendous insight into the future and foresaw the world we have today."

[John Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. I didn't actually read this book; although, I've read this book. This book consists of an introduction (very good) and a selection of excerpts from Dostoyevksy's books (which are all great). I've read all of the books that the selections are lifted from, hence I've read this book without actually reading it.

I gave this book three stars (I thought about giving it two stars) because of the introduction and the fact that the selections are, after all, written by Dostoyevsky. However, I would encourage people to not read this book. My recommendation is to read the introduction, and then take the time (it will be worth it) to read Dostoyevksy's novels in their entirety.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book excerpting Dostoevsky's passages dealing with Gospel truth - the meat of his writing. Powerful woodcut prints punctuate the words.

I recommend it for all who have experience in reading Dostoevsky. You'll find it provides a quick way to access and reflect upon his work. The uninitiated may find nuggets of truth, but will lack much needed context. :-(

Download the PDF at: http://www.plough.com/ebooks.html

Published by the former Plough Publishing from the Bruderhof community in Rifton, NY.

[Ehab Gamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

مجموعه مختارة من روايات دوستويفسكي التي تختص بعلاقته بالله والمسيحيه ... افكاره ومعتقداته وتموجات ايمانه ظاهره من خلال القطع المختاره هنا ... الاخوه كرامازوف نقدر نقول انه قدم فيها الفكر اللاهوتي من وجهة نظره من خلال قصص روائيه ... الابله قدم من خلالها صورة السلوك المسيحي اللي المفروض يكون بردو من وجهة نظره ... المجمل دوستويفسكي فيلسوف مسيحي بيقدم فلسفه مسيحيه رائعه وعميقه من خلال رواياته ... اربع نجوم من خمسه عشان عدم ترتيب القطع المختاره بصوره واضحه يعني نقصت بسبب اللي جمع لكن دوستويفسكي يستاهل اكتر من خمسه

[Sherry Elmer · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is my fault for not researching what this book was before buying, but I am very disappointed that other than the 12 page Introduction, it is nothing but excerpts from Dostoyevsky's works. The works themselves are 5 star selections, but unless you want to read sections of a book, or if you read the book without taking notes and want someone else to take the notes for you, I don't see the point.

[Matt Friedman]

An excellent introduction ton the spiritual themes in Dostoevsky's work.

[Jared Donis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penetrating thoughts!

[Abdurhman Saed · Rating 4 out of 5]

جميلة

[Alan Travtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a great book need to re-read the novels again

[Mahmoud Haggui · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a good book for those who are don't have a strong bond with the Russian Literature, it gives hints and traits about Dostoyevsky and his works.

[Hind Anwer · Rating 1 out of 5]

الكتاب عبارة مختارات من اعمال دويستوفيسكي
لا اعتقد انه يوجد شيء جديد ممكن ان يضيفه الكتاب لك
المختارات عشوائية وغير واضحة
الفصل الذي يتحدث عن الشيخ الاكبر زوسيما اكثر فصل اعجبني

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

selected excerpts from his books that deal with belief in god.