The Antichrist: A Criticism of Christianity (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

A reviewer

This is Nietzsche's short, but powerful, whirlwind through 'church' history and doctrine. He leaves few stones uncovered in his criticism of everything from faith, hope and love to the position of priests and the value system of Christian religion. As with many philosophical texts and diatribes this one requires multiple readings. If Nietzsche is not always right it is apparent that he always provokes to thought.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

The downside

This literary work is a stunning critique of Christianity as we have come to know it through history. Nietzsche was not afraid to ruffle the feathers and shake people up when he wrote this. The only problem is, and this point is VERY obvious when reading a few of these reviews, "This book belongs to the very few. Maybe not one of them is yet alive..." (preface). This could not be closer to the truth. If you are one of the many who will refuse to think on your own and cling to your Christian beliefs simply because you can not stand alone in the world and will blame this intelligently written critique on Nietzsche "falling into the Devil's pit" then please, do not bother to read it, review it or even think about it. Such a work is lost on you and your sheep-like mentality would collapse if you ever gave a single thought to what was contained in this work.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

My two cents

I have heard Nietsche quoted everywhere. And I was very interested in his writings. I came upon the Antichrist and immediately wanted to know what this was all about. I am also a Christian and at first was appalled by the title and the possibility that here is another mere mortal human being criticizing Jesus. I read the introduction and I have to say that I was totally wrong about this guy. I have yet to read the whole book but after reading the intro I can't wait to purchase this book. My opinion is this: He seems to be as disgusted with the total and complete adulteration organized religion has had with the word of Christ. We hide behind the veil of Christianity but use it for our own purpose. As if the claim of being a Christian makes us better than everyone else or special in some way. Being a true Christian is a heavy burden that most people will never truly understand until they throw away the bounds of their mortalness, weakness of flesh and give themselves completely over to the Word of Christ. I do not follow any organized religion and choose to read the Bible only and follow Jesus teachings. I admit to being completly human and flawed but I strive to reach the ideal Christ wants everyday. It sounds like Neitsche struggled with his own tendency of the flesh while trying to reach a higher intellect. Maybe not God but a higher intellectual purpose. I would recommend this book to anyone that is confident enough in their own skin to hear the powerful thoughts another human can have.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

To Reply to Cathy

I couldn't find a link to complain about a reviewer/review, so this substitute must suffice. Cathy, please don't write reviews of books you have never read. To criticize the quality of a work solely because the opinion of the author opposes your own is ignorant and childish. Your review should have at least something to do with the quality of composition and the clarity of expression. This is not a forum, it is meant to be useful to potential readers. Antichrist is a truly compelling and thought provoking work, although I find Nietzsche has a tendency to run in circles, in a perfectionist attempt to never be misconstrued or misinterpreted. But for anyone interested in progressive thought and logical reasoning, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

for the unbiased...

...the philosophic roots of modern day religion are both extremely intruiging and inherantly skewed. this work is not a contradiction of the words of jesus christ through the bible(which is not the inspired word of god, but rather four gospels of at least eight gospels chosen by and penned by the hand(s) of mortal men to build a moral foundation). the aim, however, is to question whether or not said mortal men had that right. nietzsche is often grossly misunderstood and his works need to be approached with an air of clarity.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A great book, but like Nietzsches Zarathustra it is "a book for all and none".

This is the first book by Nietzsche that I read, and is still among my favorites. Unfortunately for Nietzsche his work has been criticized by Christians and people whom get lost among Nietzsches superior writing. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Anti-Pauline

The Anti-Christ is an incredible work! He basically says that Christianity is the Anti-Christ, as it doesn't follow what Jesus taught but rather what Paul taught. He really rips Paul and the church apart. It's the only thing I've read by him. He's a really good writer. One day I'll have to check out his other works.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Nietzsche's works condensed into a single volume

This is definitively the most important work from Nietzsche! It incorporates all the major concepts: the will to power, the ubermench, and the eternal return. Nietzsche's unabashed style culminates in his unapologetic critique of Christianity. This book cannot be read without reaction. It will inspire some, it will enrage others, but it will make all readers think and question. A reader that is unwilling to question or doubt, should not read this work. This is my favorite of Nietzsche's books. It reinforced, bluntly, what had been stated in ambiguity so many times before.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

God is real

Um hello? God is dead.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Its ok

Has its dry moments and sort of tough to plough through, but overall a good read. Follow upnwith Thomas Paine Age of Reason

Highly Recommend this book

Was an enjoyable read.

More Than Angry Rhetoric.

However misused Nietzsche may be, he is probably one of the most readable philosophers. Perhaps this is the very reason why he is so misused. Don't get me wrong. Nietzsche is provocative, judgmental, opinionated, and unapologetic. However, quotes written by him are often taken out of context and misapplied to everyday life. A snob, no doubt, Nietzsche is a surprisingly easy read.

Not for the faint of heart

I really enjoyed this book and Nietzsche's work but, if your not open- minded and easily offended I would not recommend reading this book.

gets you into his head.

This book really puts the reader into Nietzsche's mind. His deep criticism of the Christian faith is prevalent to the extreme comditions. As a Christian, I read this for my Philosophy class, and I can say that I was awakened to exactly how critical he was. Even though he was the son of a Lutheran pastor, he still rebelled and was caught in the Devil's pitfall. This book is a great read if you want to know about his real attitude towards the Christian faith.

Biting Criticism and Disillusionment...

Strange that Nietzsche was such a favorite of the Nazi regime considering his philosophy regarding christianity and his disappointment with the Germans. I take it the Third Reich selectively eliminated this book from their teachings on his philosophy and/or selectively quoted certain statements to support their doctrines...

GREAT!

Friedrich Nietzsche is amazing in this hard hitting book of truth! He did not spare the rod for the sake of the Christian majority of his time. While reading this it struck me that it was also amazing that he was not struck down with a Christian fist or worse. The terminal spread of Christianity into our world has been devastating and it is with the help of great men like Nietzsche that we began the recovery processes from the darkness that has reigned for far too long. Being timid was not an issue, powerful and for a free thinking mind, wonderful. A book every young person should read!

To Reply to Mindless Garbage

The title of this book tells me all I need to know...the man has not had an encounter with the Living God, nor is he open to it. As for the reviewer titled Mindless Garbage, I am sure it is mindless garbage, however, your evaluation that Jesus pronounced Peter as the first Pope & that the Pope is Jesus' representative here on earth & infallable in his renderings of doctrine, etc. is not even Biblical! In Hebrews, Paul, the apostle, writes that Jesus is our ONLY high priest, ONLY mediator between God & man 'mankind' & ALL teachers & teachings are to be subjected to evaluation based on the Bible itself. Men are fallable, no matter who they are. However, the work of the Bible was done by God THROUGH men. There are no contradictions in Scripture, if you take them in context. As far as the Catholic Church & the Pope being the ONLY compass for morality & true doctrine, I disagree in light of what God has stated in the Scriptures. There are many things I disagree with the Catholic Church on, but our main agreement is based on our faith in the our SAVIOR, Jesus Christ. There we stand united!

0 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

Mindless Garbage

Unfortunately, as any Christian who reads this text will quickly take note of, it is the Bible (which is the inspired word of God) that endows certain individuals (i.e. the Pope) to declare what is moral and set guidelines for our value system. It is Jesus Christ who built the church and placed the disciple Peter in charge as the very first Pope. For those who are not versed in the Catchecism of the Catholic Church, it is the Pope who takes the place of Jesus on this earth. Jesus Christ himself made this designation. Therefore, Christians, by declaration of their faith at baptism, believe that all church doctrine ammendments and additions made by the Pope are the word of Jesus that has been inspired by the Holy Spirit and fulfilled through the descendent of Jesus Christ on earth.. the Pope. What Friedrich Nietzsche has done is contradict the very word of Jesus Christ. I am sure he is oblivious to this fact, but it is indeed what he has done. Perhaps it is he who is the 'Antichrist'.

0 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

The heavens bleed from the mouths of men....

Having read this book a while ago, I found myself reminded of its importance through the lryics of a song by the band Brand New (Deja Entendu; track 4). The song, especially in the chorus, even though seemingly writen about a relationship, took on some very religious undertones. The chorus which began, 'we're concentrating on falling apart,' and ending with the repetition of the statement, 'I just want to believe...' immediately made me think of Nietzsche's work and how I felt afterward. As Christians we live and prosper in continued decadence, constantly abandoning the joys of life and pushing them aside for that which the afterlife offers. 'I am heaven sent,' the song states, but, perhaps he, like the rest of us just wishes that were the case. This book is, 'the break in the bend...the closest of calls...the reason you're alone...the rise and fall.' Can we, as men, rise above such decadence, such slander of life, and live by our own free wills, without God? No, not yet, and The Antichrist, as a continuation of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, tells us why, though, we, as men, know that the heavens will bleed from our mouths, that if God falls it will be an act of man. To end, 'keeping quiet is hard, and you can't keep a secret if it never was a secret to start.' Yes, we should stop trying to convince ourselves otherwise...

World without religion?

'The Antichrist' is one of the best written books that attack religion and it's foolishness.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.