The Absolute at Large · Chapter
XIX: The Process of Canonization explained
The chapter details the rapid canonization of the Absolute by the Catholic Church, including theological disputes with other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions, the formal deification ceremony in Rome, and the collection of
What happens
The chapter details the rapid canonization of the Absolute by the Catholic Church, including theological disputes with other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions, the formal deification ceremony in Rome, and the collection of scientific and medical testimonies to support the miracles attributed to the Absolute.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Conflict and War
The chapter describes theological disputes between the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholics, various Protestant sects, Jews, Muslims, and freethinkers, leading to violence and uprisings.
Technology and Religion
The Karburator is installed in St. Peter's as a central object of worship, and atomic motors are implicated in religious phenomena in Africa and Arabia.
Skepticism and Faith
Scientific experts provide testimonies for miracles, blending empirical analysis with acceptance of supernatural intervention, while freethinkers and monists claim the Absolute for their own secular movements.
Characters to notice
- G. H. Bondy
Given a lengthy audience by the Pope three days before the Papal Brief, and later in conference with the Papal Secretary for twenty-four hours.
Key passages
“The process of canonization went forward in quick time.”
The canonization procedure was expedited.
Highlights the rapid, almost bureaucratic, pace of the church's acceptance of the Absolute.
“The deification of the Absolute was at length accomplished in Rome on the twelfth of December.”
The Absolute was officially declared a god in Rome on December 12th.
Marks the climax of the chapter's central event.
“The negroes quite unexpectedly slaughtered and ate the missionaries and bowed down to a new idol which they called Ato or Alolto.”
In the Belgian Congo and French Senegambia, local people killed and ate missionaries, then worshiped a new idol named Ato or Alolto.
Illustrates the chaotic and violent spread of the Absolute's influence in colonial contexts.