Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) wrote a dystopian novel, LORD OF THE WORLD, in 1907. It has become well-known in our day through being rediscovered and commended by Popes Francis and Leo. Despite it being written more than a century ago it imagines a world of rapid mass transit and rapid communication, of densely packed megacities and air transportation. It presents a world that seeks peace between empires, of the use of weapons of mass destruction and euthanasia centers ready to put an end to any discomfort or suffering. There is the rejection of supernaturalism and the overwhelming acceptance of the religion of Humanitarianism which is anti-supernatural. Its creed is “God is Man’. Christianity has been displaced for a religion of secular humanism, bereft of God, where the ideals of humanitarianism and tolerance come not from religious conversion or charity but are enforced by laws and regulations from a coercive government. A man arises who becomes hailed as the ‘Son of Man’ who ascends to ‘Lord of the World’, a sham parody of Jesus as ‘the way, the truth and the life’.

The Roman Catholic Church is the only Christian church left standing but gradually becomes persecuted and eliminated until only a remnant is left. It is regarded as an enemy of humanity because it rejects the worship of Man and Women and refuses to capitulate to the new rational naturalism. There is a final showdown in the Holy Land with an unexpected event.

The novel confronts the reader with the present reality of the consequences of the ideology of secularism and the search for human fulfillment in government planning, pleasure, conformity, and intolerance of those with Christian convictions. Personal freedom is threatened by the vain crusade for equality, of one size that fits all, and the rejection of humility by those in authority. When a vacuum is created by the rejection or indifference to the transcendent Creator and Savior, another evil spirit will fill it with disastrous results. I commend this novel for your consideration. It will drive you to prayer for the salvation of the world.