The Last Temptation of Christ (novel)

The Last Temptation of Christ

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	1955
Founder	Nikos Kazantzakis
Products	Historical fiction novel

The Last Temptation of Christ or The Last Temptation (, O Teleftéos Pirasmós) is a historical fiction novel authored by Nikos Kazantzakis, originally published in Greek in 1955 and later translated into English in 1960. This work delves into the life of Jesus, focusing on his internal battles with temptation, encompassing emotions such as fear, doubt, despair, hesitation, and desire.

Upon its publication, the novel encountered strong opposition from the Catholic Church and Greek Orthodox Church, and it has been met with criticism from numerous Christian organizations. The 1988 cinematic adaptation directed by Martin Scorsese similarly generated significant controversy.

Plot

The narrative opens with Jesus isolated in the desert, grappling with the weight of his divine mission and the certainty of his impending death. He confronts human impulses and the temptation to forsake his destiny for an ordinary existence. Eventually, he resolves to fulfill his purpose, which leads to his capture, trial, and crucifixion.

In a visionary sequence, Jesus awakens while on the cross to an alternate reality where he survives crucifixion, weds Mary Magdalene, and lives as a common man. Through experiencing love and hardship, he wrestles with the significance of his divine calling. Ultimately, he understands that without embracing sacrifice, his teachings would fade into obscurity and accepts his predetermined fate.

The story concludes with Jesus ascending into heaven, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Themes

In the novel's introduction, Kazantzakis contends that Jesus fulfilled God's plan by confronting and triumphing over all human frailties without surrendering to carnal temptations. The narrative posits that had Jesus yielded—particularly by evading crucifixion—his life would hold no greater importance than that of any other philosopher.

Critic I. A. Richards observed that Kazantzakis’ work endeavors to reclaim foundational Christian principles such as love, brotherhood, humility, and self-denial. Translator Peter A. Bien explains that the psychological framework of The Last Temptation is grounded in the belief that every individual—Jesus included—harbors both good and evil; a psychologically healthy person directs their inner darkness toward positive ends.

Martin Scorsese, who directed the 1988 film adaptation, highlighted Kazantzakis’ portrayal of Jesus as simultaneously human and divine, confronting doubts, fears, and guilt while remaining sinless.

Controversy

In February 1955, the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church in Athens attempted to prohibit all works by Kazantzakis throughout Greece, condemning The Last Temptation of Christ as sacrilegious and influenced by Freudian theory and historical materialism. Although efforts to excommunicate Kazantzakis were unsuccessful, he was denied customary funeral rites upon his passing.

In 1963, a Roman Catholic priest in Ashland, Wisconsin forbade a parishioner from returning a library copy of the novel, declaring it a mortal sin to distribute it. The following year, the Citizens Group for Clean Books in Arcadia, California called for its removal from public libraries on grounds of being "blasphemous, obscene and defamatory," leading to restricted access limited to individuals over 18 years old.

Furthermore, in 1988 the book was officially banned in Singapore.

Film adaptation

Sidney Lumet secured the cinematic rights to Kazantzakis' novel, characterizing it as a narrative about "a man who drives himself to his limits," with Judas depicted as a powerful and heroic character. Lumet commissioned Lazarre Seymour Simckes to write the screenplay and intended to begin filming in 1971; however, the project was eventually delayed indefinitely. The story was later adapted into a movie directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 1988, featuring Willem Dafoe portraying Jesus, Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene, and Harvey Keitel in the role of Judas Iscariot.

Theatrical adaptation

A stage play inspired by The Last Temptation of Christ, entitled Christuvinte Aaram Thirumurivu ('The Sixth Holy Wound of Christ'), was authored by P. M. Antony and performed in Kerala, India. This theatrical work presented Jesus as a compassionate human rather than the divine Son of God. Premiering in Alappuzha on 10 August 1986, the production ran for roughly 42 shows but encountered intense opposition from Church authorities, including protests and violent incidents. The script was seized by officials, the play was prohibited, and courts upheld this prohibition. Antony subsequently published the play in Malayalam and was later detained on unrelated accusations.

In popular culture

American singer-songwriter Judee Sill named Kazantzakis as her preferred author; her 1971 track "Jesus Was a Cross Maker" drew inspiration from The Last Temptation of Christ.

During a private concert in 1988, country musician Townes Van Zandt acknowledged that the novel influenced his 1970 composition "Nothin'," which he created on the night he completed reading it amidst its associated controversies.