Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was one of the most influential writers of the nineteenth century, best known for War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His work explored human nature, morality, suffering, family, society, and the search for meaning.

Later in life, Tolstoy experienced a profound spiritual crisis that led him to engage deeply with the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. In works such as A Confession and The Kingdom of God Is Within You, he reflected on faith, repentance, simplicity, nonviolence, and Christian discipleship.

Tolstoy’s religious views were unconventional, and he rejected several historic Christian doctrines, eventually coming into conflict with the Russian Orthodox Church. His theology should therefore be approached with discernment.

Nevertheless, his writings continue to challenge readers to consider enduring questions of faith, conscience, sin, forgiveness, love, mortality, materialism, and what it means to live a meaningful life.