Over a two-month period we will read *The Last Temptation* by Nikos Kazantzakis. You can find a copy of the book here. (If you buy any of the versions after clicking on my link, I will get a few pennies to help support the cost of the meetup.) This month we will read up to chapter XVIII (about 270 pgs) Bold and challenging, the novel explores the humanity and spiritual struggle of Jesus in a deeply imaginative way, rendered in passionate, poetic prose. The book has a complex history. It was blacklisted by the Vatican, and Kazantzakis was excommunicated from the Greek Orthodox Church. Yet, at the same time, many monks, priests, and religious thinkers have found the work to be profoundly spiritual and deepened their faith. Kazantzakis, a writer of immense influence who missed winning the Nobel Prize in Literature by one vote (to Camus), brings extraordinary depth and intensity to this work. The novel also reached a wider audience through its film adaptation, The Last Temptation of Christ, directed by Martin Scorsese. The film sparked significant controversy upon its release, provoking protests and strong reactions from various religious communities, and further highlighting the provocative and searching nature of Kazantzakis’s vision. Influenced by thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Vladimir Lenin, Gautama Buddha, and Henri Bergson, the novel reflects a rich philosophical background and raises enduring questions about sacrifice, freedom, temptation, and the nature of belief. A gentle note: This book can stir strong feelings—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. As always, our goal is not agreement, but respectful conversation and mutual understanding. We aim to create a space where different perspectives can be shared thoughtfully and heard generously. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a meaningful and engaging discussion. \*\*\*\*\*\* Note! Meetup recently doubled the cost of the meetup to…
