The main reason for Tolstoy’s criticism of conventional Judeo-Christianity was his deep conviction that true Christianity should be based on the practical moral teaching of Jesus, rather than on the mysticism, dogmas, and rituals that, in his view, distort the essence of Christ’s message.

Redefining Christianity: Tolstoy’s Vision of Moral Practice

The main reason for Tolstoy’s criticism of conventional Judeo-Christianity was his deep conviction that true Christianity should be based on the practical moral teaching of Jesus, rather than on the mysticism, dogmas, and rituals that, in his view, distort the essence of Christ’s message.

As early as 1855, Tolstoy wrote that he dreamed of creating a “new Christianity – purified of faith and mystery” and “granting bliss on earth.” In doing so, he saw the necessity of radically rethinking traditional religious beliefs and eliminating mystical and supernatural elements to make religion a practical guide for life (Source: link txt).

He also harshly criticized historical Christianity, believing that it had become detached from the true commandments of Christ because its followers did not live out the moral teachings but instead turned to sacraments and dogmas. For Tolstoy, adhering to the commandments was paramount, and the mystical side of faith—including the idea of redemption through the Son’s sacrifice—repulsed him, as he considered such an approach immoral (Sources: link txt; link txt).

Thus, his criticism was based on the following motives and reasons:
1. A desire to restore Christianity as a system of practical morality, where the teachings of love, forgiveness, and the transformation of consciousness are central.
2. A rejection of mystical and supernatural components that, in his opinion, distract people from directly and rationally experiencing true moral values.
3. A disdain for the idea of redemption through a mystical sacrifice, since Tolstoy believed that the true path to goodness lay in honest and conscious self-improvement.

Supporting citation(s):
“As early as 1855, he recorded in his diary an interesting phrase: ‘Yesterday, a conversation about the divine and faith led me to a great and enormous idea, the implementation of which I feel capable of devoting my life to. This thought is the foundation of a new religion, corresponding to the development of humanity, the religion of Christ, but purified of faith and mystery, a practical religion that does not promise future bliss, but grants bliss on earth.’” (source: link txt)

“Tolstoy radically and harshly criticizes so-called historical Christianity, and often his criticism is essentially justified. Tolstoy states that Christianity was preached as an abstract doctrine but was not put into practice, as its followers did not fulfill the commandments of Christ. For him, Christianity was confined to the moral teachings and commandments of Christ, while its mysterious, mystical aspect was both incomprehensible and repugnant.” (source: link txt)

“Tolstoy regards it as immoral when the will of the Father is thought achievable only through the Son, the Redeemer and Savior. He expresses disgust towards the idea of redemption and salvation—not out of disdain for Jesus of Nazareth, but for Christ-Logos, who sacrificed himself for the sins of the world.” (source: link txt)