Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force

Tolstoy's central argument is the principle of non-resistance to evil by force, which he asserts is a fundamental tenet of Christ's teachings. He contrasts the Old Testament's endorsement of retributive justice with Christ's command to 'not resist evil.' Tolstoy emphasizes that True Christians must not retaliate against wrongdoers, even in self-defense or through legal means. This radical non-violence extends to all forms of conflict, including war. He argues that adhering to this principle is the only way to eradicate evil from one's heart and society. 'Non-resistance is Salvation; Resistance is Ruin,' he states, underscoring the transformative power of non-resisting love over violent power.