First published 2021
Christ walks again among the people of sixteenth century Spain. The crowds recognize him instantly and fall to their knees in worship. But the Grand Inquisitor's guards seize him and throw him into prison. The old Inquisitor visits Christ in his cell and delivers a devastating accusation. He argues that Christ's gift of free will was a cruel burden thrust upon weak humanity. Most people cannot bear the weight of choosing between good and evil. The Church has corrected Christ's mistake by taking away this terrible freedom and giving people security instead. Christ listens in silence as the Inquisitor explains why he must die again. The story unfolds as Ivan Karamazov tells this parable to his younger brother Alyosha, a novice monk. Through their conversation, the tale explores whether humanity truly wants the freedom Christ offered or prefers the comfort of submission to authority.
Genres: fiction, classic-literature, historical-fiction, 20th-century, christianity, 19th-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: philosophical-debate, religious-allegory
Setting: Spain
Period: Sixteenth Century
42 pages · Paperback · Independently published