Apocalyptic literature describes the disasters, wars and catastrophes before the end of the world. The final book of the Bible, written by St. John, is called the Book of the Apocalypse or the Book of Revelation. St. John uses commanding images and creatures such as dragons to convey his message. The End Times have been a matter of considerable debate in the last ten years with the turning of the millennium and the supposed prophesies of the Mayan Calendar. In the early 20^th century, the distinguished Catholic writer Msgr. Robert Benson wrote a powerful work of literature concerning these matters. The title of this compelling book is "Lord of the World."

The world has changed. Nation states have disappeared throughout the world and the rise of three great powers has occurred. First, there is the Asian sphere which comprises China, India, Australia, Japan and all of the Far East. The second power is Europe. Occupying the continent of Europe and nearby countries, this land mass has great influence because of its cultural development. Finally, there is America which consists of the North and South American continents. In Europe, England is much changed after the 20^thcentury. Volors (a type of airplane) make travel incredibly fast and convenient. Communication is almost instantaneous throughout the world. Euthanasia is seen as a great benefit in the world. Anyone suffering or in great pain is quickly and "mercifully" killed. The world of religion is vastly different as well. Protestantism has virtually died out. Catholicism is under great stress as many believers have lost the faith and many faithful Catholics have been forced to flee to Rome. There they are protected by the Pope from religious persecution and attack. Man has begun to believe that his reason is almost infallible, and this eliminates the need for God in daily life. The Vatican struggles against these emerging evils and still has faithful staffs of priests’ worldwide writing letters informing the Holy See of emerging situations. One such writer is Father Percy Franklin. An Englishman, Father Franklin senses a great evil about to descend upon the world and struggles to understand this horror.

Suddenly news erupts that a world war is about to break out. Given the development of weaponry, everyone knows this could annihilate the world. Someone is needed to quell this potential calamity. One such person, Julian Felsenburgh, appears on the world stage with great power. Capable of speaking many languages and holding audiences in worshipful awe, he averts the disastrous war. This causes the world to begin a worshipful adulation of Felsenburgh and he is offered all the honors and powers of this world. He accepts the power of the entire world, and begins his rational cleansing of anything holding back the new order. His first target is the Catholic Church.

Why does Felsenburgh attack the Catholic Church? Why do so many religious people eventually agree with Felsenburgh’s position? Why do secular humanists callously discard sick people? What has happened to the human race? Who redeems mankind as it careens toward destruction? To find out, read "Lord of the World" by Msgr. Robert Benson.

Msgr. Benson (1871-1914) was a convert to the Catholic Church from Anglicanism at the beginning of the 20^th century. In a period of ten years prior to his death, he wrote one acclaimed book after another. By the time of his death, he was likely the most famous Catholic writer in the world. This columnist does not recommend "Lord of the World" for younger readers as some of the scenes are frightening and have horrible implications. But 10^th grade students and older may have a strong interest in this book. It is amazing how much Msgr. Benson has foreseen about the world’s development. He accurately shows how the world will act if it is devoid of divine direction. Through this ominous book, Benson also gives us the answer to these problems, which can be found in the saving power of grace. I hope you get the opportunity to read this outstanding novel. It is well worth the effort.