Introduction

The reference to the Antichrist is not intended to refer to the biblical Antichrist but is rather an attack on the "slave morality" and apathy of Western Christianity.

Nietzsche's basic claim is that Christianity (as he saw it in the West) is a poisoner of western culture and a perversion of the words of and practice of Jesus.

Context and Critique

In this light, the provocative title is mainly expressing Nietzsche's animus toward Christianity, as such.

In this book, Nietzsche is very critical of institutionalized religion and its priest class, from which he himself was descended.

Content and Focus

The majority of the book is a systematic, logical and detailed attack upon the interpretations of Christ's words by St. Paul and those who followed him.