« J'ai l'idée d'un livre si vaste que je n'ose y penser. L'Antéchrist commence à m'obséder. Si jamais je l'écris, quel livre ce sera ! », affirme Robert Hugh Benson en 1905.Passionné par les sujets de l'Antéchrist et de la fin des temps, l'auteur a condensé, à travers un roman d'anticipation à tendance apocalyptique, les principes qu'il avait à coeur d'exprimer et « qu'il croyait être vrais ».Écrit au début du XXe siècle, ce remarquable récit présente une vision prophétique d'un monde coupé en trois empires apparemment antagonistes, mais qui s'unissent dans une perspective de persécution des chrétiens.
Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) est un ecclésiastique et homme de lettres britannique, converti à la foi catholique. Il est par ailleurs le plus jeune fils d'Edward White Benson (1829-1896), archevêque de Cantorbéry.
Fils du Primat anglican, le pieux et réfléchi Robert Hugh Benson (1871-1914) était promis aux plus hautes destinées tant sociales qu'ecclésiastiques. Mais sa quête incessante de la vérité, née dès l'enfance, stimulée par les nombreux et fameux retours à Rome d'anglicans de son temps, finit par lui faire découvrir la vérité catholique dans toute sa splendeur. La conversion de cet homme silencieux fit grand bruit. Elle lui occasionna de perdre quelques relations familiales ou mondaines, mais élargit son horizon à l'universalité catholique. Dans ses Confessions d'un converti, ce prêtre catholique nous confie son cheminement spirituel parsemé de questions qui s'adressent aussi à notre propre fidélité. Dans son avant-propos, Philippe Maxence replace ce journal d'une âme dans le contexte religieux et intellectuel d'un temps qui interroge aussi le nôtre.
Classique de spiritualité, L'Amitié de Jésus-Christ rappelle la nouveauté radicale du christianisme qui invite l'homme à vivre intimement avec Jésus de la vie même du Christ. Cette vie de proximité passe par cette amitié qui lia le Christ à Marthe, Marie et Lazare et qui rend Jésus si cher aux hommes. Le sentiment intime de cette amitié de Jésus-Christ est le véritable secret des saints. C'est ce secret que dévoile, explique et propose à son lecteur, Mgr Robert Hugh Benson, célèbre converti de l'anglicanisme, qui trouva dans l'amitié avec le Christ le sens de sa propre existence au service de l'Église.
Following the death of his fiancée, Laurie Baxter becomes consumed by an obsession with the supernatural. Attempting to reach his deceased bride, he attends rituals and séances, delving ever deeper into the dark embrace of the occult. But instead of reconnecting with his lost love, Laurie is brought into contact with forces far more sinister.
Two wealthy families are neighbors in Elizabethan England; one is staunchly Catholic and the other is devoutly Protestant. The attractive young scions of the families are drawn to each other in friendship and love, but are kept apart by their opposing religions. Life is very difficult for Catholics during those times. They are subject to fines, imprisonment, torture and ignominious death for practicing their faith. On the other hand, for various reasons some Catholics give up their inherited faith, and even betray and persecute their fellow-religionists. As the threads of plot are woven tighter, heroes emerge, sometimes most unexpectedly, as they grapple with theological doubts and conflicts, and undergo extreme suffering and loss. The many characters we meet ring true, whether they are brilliant or superstitious, stalwart or wavering, pious or violent; and it is a great privilege to spend time with such towering historical figures as St. Edmond Campion and Queen Elizabeth herself. Love, history, theology, suspense, and an array of colorful characters are sewn inexorably together in this large and compelling story. (Intro by Carol Pelster)
Robert Hugh Benson, who was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, was ordained an Anglican priest in 1895 by his father, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Eight years later, after weighty consideration, Robert Benson converted to Roman Catholicism. In 1904 he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest and took up residence in Cambridge, where he ministered to Roman Catholic students as their unofficial chaplain. In 1911, he was made a monsignor. Despite the brevity of his earthly life, Benson was a prolific writer whose literary productions span the gamut from devotional works, such as The Friendship of Christ, to sacred drama, children's books, apologetic works, historical fiction, and even science fiction.The Friendship of Christ, which bears an imprimatur, is based on sermons Benson preached in London and Rome in 1910 and 1911. In the first part of this book, he shows how one enters into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the purgative and illuminative ways. In the second part, he discusses several modes in which Christ offers us His friendship here and now, such as in the Eucharist, in the Church, in the priest, in the saint, in the sinner, in the average person, and in the sufferer. In Part III, Benson recalls how Jesus Christ proved the depth of His friendship with us by willingly accepting death on the cross for our sake, and how He raises His friends to everlasting life with Him. (Introduction by dave7)
It is a world seemingly without conflict. There are no battles, no religion. Imagine! And yet, all is not well. There is a war going on. The Godlessness of the world, disguised in comfortable Humanism, gnaws at the minds and souls of the people. Euthanasia is rampant, a way to escape a sterile and meaningless world. Only the ghettoized, underground Catholic Church and its few remaining adherents struggle to keep Christianity alive.Pushed to edges of society, their biggest and most important conflict comes in the form of Julian Felsenburgh, the leader of the new world order…and an Anti-Christ. It is left to Father Percy Franklin and the small band of remaining Catholics to fight this (perhaps) final battle of Good vs. Evil: Christ vs. Anti-Christ.
Robert Hugh Bensons short book was aimed at those adherents to the Church of England who were disquieted by the increasingly obvious cracks in the foundation of that church. So he returns to the foundations of the Church Universal-most importantly, to the need for unity and for a shepherd to both symbolize and ensure that unity. That symbol and reality, he reminds his readers, is found in Peter and his successors as the Bishop of Rome.A spiritual father's testimony:"A young lady once sought my guidance as she wrestled with questions of the truth of the Catholic Faith. I leant her my copy of Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.,s Catholic Catechism. Shortly thereafter, she decided that she had to become a Catholic. She told me that she still was not fully convinced of (among other things) the Churchs Marian doctrine or the existence of (much less the necessity for) Purgatory; but, like Father Bensons ;John,; the ;plain man; of this books title, she had been reminded that she needed to be united to the successor of Peter. All the rest would follow in due time.Reminding the reader of that reality is the genius of this book. Were I approached by a similar young lady today, I would hold back Father Hardons catechism for future instruction, and give her a copy of The Religion of the Plain Man."This title provides an especially useful resource for priests, deacons, and other teachers of the Faith.
Come Rack, Come Rope is a gripping historical novel which takes place during Queen Elizabeth Is persecution of English Catholics. Based on the real sufferings of a real Catholic family in particular, and Catholics across the country, Robert Hugh Bensons classic novel is one of tragedy and loss, but also heroism and human and divine love. The novel follows Robin and Margaret, a young couple in love who forgo their affection when Margaret realizes Robin is called to the priesthood. Both play a critical role in caring physically and spiritually for their fellow Catholics during this time of terror. Discover their heroism, love, and sacrifice, and be inspired to live it out in our own frightful times in Come Rack, Come Rope.
Lord of the World (1907) is a dystopian novel by Robert Hugh Benson, a Catholic priest and former Anglican. Set in a future where secular humanism has triumphed and traditional religion has been nearly eradicated, the novel presents a chilling vision of a world unified under a single global government. This new order promises peace and progress but demands absolute conformity and the abandonment of spiritual truth.
At the heart of the story is Father Percy Franklin, a Catholic priest who rises to become Pope Sylvester III. As the world embraces a charismatic political leader - Julian Felsenburgh, who is gradually revealed to be the Antichrist - the Church becomes the last bastion of resistance. What follows is a dramatic and apocalyptic struggle between faith and nihilistic modernity.
Blending political prophecy with theological reflection, Lord of the World explores themes of faith, martyrdom, free will, and the ultimate battle between good and evil. Widely regarded as prophetic, the novel has been praised by several Popes, including Benedict XVI and Francis, for its spiritual insight and relevance to the challenges of the modern world.
Le Maître de la terre, roman incontournable de Robert Hugh Benson, a été publié pour la première fois en France en 1907.
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Grâce à notre charte éditoriale, nous vous offrons l'opportunité de découvrir ce roman dans une édition aérée et dans un grand format, facilitant ainsi votre lecture pour vous permettre de profiter d'une expérience de lecture unique.
Ce livre est la suite de "Ma vie au Paradis". « Le monde spirituel est un endroit où les êtres humains connaissent enfin la sécurité et le bonheur qu'ils auraient dû toujours connaître. » Depuis toujours, l'homme cherche à percer le mystère de l'au-delà. Il espère que sa mort ne signifiera pas la fin. Et comme le savoir est le meilleur antidote contre la peur, surtout si cette peur concerne notre état d'existence après notre passage du monde physique dans l'autre monde, ce témoignage s'inscrit dans une démarche universelle afin de découvrir les réponses aux questions qui nous préoccupent. Dans son récit à Anthony Borgia, le Révérend Robert Hugh Benson, mort en 1914, décrit son passage dans l'autre monde. Ce prêtre anglican se convertit, en 1903, à l'Église catholique. Il fut aussi un auteur prolifique tant de romans fantastiques et d'histoires de fantômes que d'ouvrages sérieux sur la spiritualité. Trente ans après sa mort, il dicta au médium Anthony Borgia ses célèbres manuscrits racontant sa vie dans l'au-delà, "Ma vie au Paradis" et "Le Paradis retrouvé".
La Nouvelle aurore, roman incontournable de Robert Hugh Benson, a été publié pour la première fois en France en 1916.Vous souhaitez lire autrement et profiter d'une expérience de lecture originale ?Grâce à notre charte éditoriale, nous vous offrons l'opportunité de découvrir ce roman dans une édition aérée et dans un grand format, facilitant ainsi votre lecture pour vous permettre de profiter d'une expérience de lecture unique.
"Lourdes" by Robert Hugh Benson is a thought-provoking and spiritual novel that explores themes of faith, miracles, and the transformative power of religious experiences. Published in 1914, the book is set against the backdrop of the famous Marian apparitions in Lourdes, France.
Benson's narrative centers around the character of Percy Franklin, a skeptical agnostic who accompanies his devout Catholic sister on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The novel unfolds as Franklin encounters the mysterious and miraculous events surrounding Bernadette Soubirous, the young girl who claimed to witness apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes.
As the story progresses, Franklin's journey becomes a spiritual odyssey, questioning his own beliefs and grappling with the profound impact of the supernatural occurrences in Lourdes. Benson skillfully weaves together theological reflections, psychological insights, and the dynamics of faith and doubt.
"Lourdes" is a compelling work for readers interested in religious fiction, spiritual exploration, and the intersection of faith and reason. It provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding religious experiences and the potential transformation that can occur when faced with the inexplicable.
Immerse yourself in the pages of "Lourdes" as Robert Hugh Benson takes you on a contemplative journey, inviting you to ponder the mysteries of faith and the enduring power of belief.
Depuis toujours, l'homme cherche à percer le mystère de l'au-delà. Il espère que sa mort ne signifiera pas la fin. Et comme le savoir est le meilleur antidote contre la peur, surtout si cette peur concerne notre état d'existence après notre passage du monde physique dans l'autre monde, ce témoignage s'inscrit dans une démarche universelle afin de découvrir les réponses aux questions qui nous préoccupent. Dans son récit à Anthony Borgia, le Révérend Robert Hugh Benson, mort en 1914, décrit son passage dans l'autre monde. Véritable initiation au monde spirituel, ce témoignage nous révèle comment la mort n'est en fait que le début d'une vie supérieure et éternelle.
