Lord of the World
Robert Hugh Benson
Lu par LibriVox Volunteers
“Mr. Benson sees the world, four or five generations hence, free at last from all minor quarrels, and ranged against itself in two camps, Humanitarianism for those who believe in no divinity but that of man, Catholicism for those who believe in no divinity but that of God.”
This apocalyptic novel from the early 1900's is sometimes deemed one of the first modern dystopias. (Summary from an original London Times review and Wikipedia)
Chapitres
Critiques
Phenomenal
A LibriVox Listener
Thank you to all of those who spent their time to record this prescient novel, particularly the young lady who at the end sang the Pange so well, if not in a man's voice. Considering that it was written over a hundred years ago its amazing how accurately Benson gets the "history" of the last century. The only thing he misses is the depths of sexual depravity to which we have sunk and the fact that the "smoke of Satan" would even infiltrate the Church. Benson takes for granted that sad little men like Fr Francis would have the honor to exit the Church before starting to work against her or that prelates would force them out. Sadly these two developments place the Church in an even weaker position than Benson imagines at the beginning of this novel. Marana Tha!
amazing!!
A LibriVox Listener
Completely blown away by this book. I consider it life changing. Fantastic reading by Maria Therese. I was mesmerized the entire time.
Strange mirror of today and history
Cornish Alabaster Ferret
It was interesting to imagine what the future (20th century) would be like from the perspective of the 19th century. I think it is funny the contrast between the technology the author considered to be breakthrough and futuristic at his time didn’t revolutionize the world in the way that he thought. On the other hand, I think that the humanitarian aspect of the story is accurate. Historically, however, it was fascism (then socialism after) that led to the persecution of religious in Europe and other places. This story highlighted for me that, in the last century, the sentiment that, “We’ve evolved beyond all that evil and superstition,” that develops into new evil and new superstition. Maybe it’s a lesson humanity must learn every century. The end of the book, though, was not what I wanted. The rest of the story, including the last sentence, had me on the edge of my seat. The Catholic Church considers herself to be a church of martyrs so I suppose it was a fitting end. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis, dona nobis pacem.
This book leaves one speechless!
Gabrielle Corbeel-Christenhusz
An amazing story that extends the internal logic of communism, materialism, humanism, call it what you will, to it´s terrible logical end, and at the same time shows how the internal logic of the Catholic faith, operating of course at a completely other level, answers the final confrontation. Because there can´t ultimately be anything more than a confrontation. Thanks so much to the narrators for reading with care and emotion. The final chapter in particular was stunning! It´ll take a while to let all the pieces of the story settle in my heart. A book that leaves me speechless and contemplative.
Amazing
ServantofMary
Wonderful book, wonderful narration. 100% recommend to all Catholics.
Interesting
Jeff
Written just before communist Russia took on their experiment that turned out to be just as deadly as any experimental government that preceded them, this dystopia picks up with communisms ideals run a muck. Very prophetic though in what happened with the rise of communist Russia and Nazi Germany. Christ will never force his subjects to his will but loves them to it. We have our will to choose. We must judge what kind of government system we want to rule over us.
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
This is a very deep and complex book and requires full concentration. However, it is certainly an experience and I appreciated the attempt to cast a dystopian view of faith and the challenges this might bring and conflicts created with governments. The book becomes even more impressive upon reflecting that it was written more than 100 years ago. I must give a nod to the narrators who all did a good job.
Excellent depiction of the end of the World
Cephas05
This book, although dated in some aspects is a wonderful depiction of how the end of the world may look, with Christ coming in his glory. It contrasts the truths of Catholicism with those beliefs of naturalism and pantheism held by the world. Thank you to all the volunteers who read the chapters in this book!