The Master Christian
By Marie Corelli
Published by Methuen & Co: London "The Colonial Library" 1900 5th Edition
"Mary Mackay (1855 - 1924), also called Minnie Mackey and known by her pseudonym Marie Corelli, was an English novelist.
From the appearance of her first novel A Romance of Two Worlds in 1886, she became a bestselling fiction-writer, her works were largely concerned with Christianity, reincarnation, astral projection and mysticism. Yet despite her many distinguished patrons, she was often ridiculed by critics. Corelli lived her later years in Stratford-upon-Avon, whose historic buildings she fought hard to preserve.
The Master Christian by Marie Corelli, published in 1900, is a provocative and dramatic novel that examines the moral and spiritual decay of institutional religion, particularly within the Catholic Church. Set in Rome during the turn of the 20th century, the story follows the rise of a mysterious and charismatic figure, Manuel, who embodies Christ-like virtues and preaches a return to genuine faith, humility, and compassion. His presence challenges the opulence, corruption, and political entanglements of the Vatican, prompting both admiration and fear among church leaders and the public.
Corelli uses the character of Manuel as a vehicle to critique organized religion's departure from its spiritual roots, advocating instead for a purer, more personal form of Christianity. The novel weaves themes of prophecy, sacrifice, and divine judgment with rich descriptions and intense emotional scenes. With its blend of social commentary and spiritual idealism, The Master Christian was both controversial and widely read, reflecting Corelli's enduring appeal and her role in shaping religious and philosophical discourse during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
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