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Carl Schmitt is one of the most controversial, and yet charismatic figures, in the history of world political thought, in the 20th century. His literary interpretation is also one access to the study of his thought. By analyzing Schmitt’s elaboration of “the Grand Inquisitor” in Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov, this article actually shows the similarities between Schmitt and the Grand Inquisitor: they have a similar anthropological starting point; they both question Christ’s response to the three temptations from the Devil in the wilderness; and they both categorize themselves as a part of a special “elite group” and thus choose a “faith that deprives people of liberty”. In the end, it led both of them to the denial of eschatology and redemption. The literary figure of “the Grand Inquisitor” mirrors the serious deviation of Schmitt from the doctrines of the Christian faith. This comparative study also opens up a cross-time dialogue between Dostoevsky and Schmitt, thus forming a critical examination of Schmitt’s political theology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Und sagte kein einziges Wort (And Never Said a Word) is an early novel by the German author Heinrich Boll, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972. This year is the 100th Birthday of this writer who was regarded as “the conscience of the nation”. Many current interpretations focused on themes such as “marriage” and “lower-class people”. This article analyzes its religious meaning and reads it as a Christian novel. Those who “never said a word” in the novel reflect Jesus Christ on the Cross as well as the lower-class people who struggled for a living in silence in post-war Germany. By analyzing the motive of “homecoming” in three different levels and revealing the three kinds of love depicted in the novel, this article investigates the theological problem in this literary work and bring Böll's “hope” to light: The disaster of war can only be overcome through a love in the form of sacrifice; The reconstruction and homecoming of spirit won't be possible without God's love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]