In Dostoevsky’s book “The Grand Inquisitor” he develops two versions of One is the Roman catholic version which is represented by the G.I. or GrandInquisitor and the other is the Protestant version represented by the Christ-like figure. Thewhole dialogue begins when the GI has thrown the Christ-like figure or CLF in prisonafter watching him do a few miracles (pg. 24). He then begins to barraage him withquestions that he answers himself. And From this comes the argument of freedom. The GIthen claims that because the CLF refused the 3 temptations (mainly the turning of the stoneinto bread) (pg27) he placed the burden of freedom on man. According to the GI if theCLF had only turned the stone into bread he would have “satisfied the universal andeverlasting craving of humanity--to fing someone to worship”(pg.27). Instead the CLFrejected it for the sake of freedom. The GI goes on to say that instead of taking mansfreedom from them (“by giving them bread”) when you had the chance you instead chooseto make it stronger than ever (pg28). The Gi sees freedom as being the main problem inman, its almost like a disease. He says that man wants happiness in life not freedom. Bycreating this “free” society the CLF has placed the burden of responsibility on man. Nowif you think about it what he says here makes a lot of sense. Because we have the power tochoose, the freedom to choose. We also have to take the responsibility of our choices. Weare forced to deal with the consequences of our actions. Now you might say that’s fine justmake good choices and you’ll be fine. Well according to the GI men are weak and areincapable of accepting such a responsibility as the on the CLF has placed on them.The GI then goes on to tell the CLF that he is no longer needed that he (GI) hasfinisehd his (CLF) work. He said that the men have given up their freedom to the church.And thus the responsibility is ...
