The Last Temptation of Christ
First published 1955 · Greek · 506 pages
- Drama
- Fantasy
- Religion and spirituality
A novel that retells the life of Jesus as a deeply human struggle. Kazantzakis imagines a man torn between ordinary desires and a calling he fears and doubts, pulled between the body and the spirit. The story follows him through his Galilean years, his encounters with followers, family and rivals, and his growing sense of purpose. It is not a gospel account but an imaginative and personal interpretation. The book drew strong condemnation from some church authorities when it appeared, yet many readers find it a moving exploration of faith, doubt and sacrifice.
Quotes
God loves me. I know he loves me. I want him to stop! I make crosses so he'll hate me so he'll find another! I want to crucify every one of his messiahs.
You think God belongs only to you? He doesn't. God is an immortal spirit who belongs to everybody, to the whole world. You think you're special? God is not an Israelite.
Today and tomorrow I cast out demons and work cures. On the third day, I will be perfected.
If I was a woodcutter, I'd cut. If I was a fire, I'd burn. But I'm a heart and I love. That's the only thing I can do.