# XIII explained — The Coming Race

> Chapter companion for The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

## What happens

The narrator describes the religion of the Vril-ya, which is characterized by universal belief and practice, worship of a single divine Creator, and the use of vril to transmit thoughts to the source of life. They hold that only humans can conceive of a Deity, and they practice private and public devotion without pomp. Theological speculation has been discouraged to avoid conflict, and they believe in a future state without clear notions of reward or punishment, as their society lacks crime and moral variance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Morality Without Conflict

The Vril-ya practice a unified religion without theological dispute, leading to a harmonious society.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Describes the religion and beliefs of the Vril-ya, noting he was not admitted to their temple.

### Aph-Lin

Quoted as the narrator's host, explaining the Vril-ya's views on theological speculation.

## Key lines

> This people have a religion, and, whatever may be said against it, at least it has these strange peculiarities: firstly, that all believe in the creed they profess; secondly, that they all practice the precepts which the creed inculcates.

The Vril-ya's religion is notable because everyone genuinely believes and follows its teachings.

_Highlights the unity of belief and practice among the Vril-ya._

> They hold that this capacity is a privilege that cannot have been given in vain, and hence that prayer and thanksgiving are acceptable to the divine Creator, and necessary to the complete development of the human creature.

They believe the ability to conceive of God is a gift that makes prayer and gratitude essential for human growth.

_Explains the Vril-ya's rationale for devotional practices._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se/chapters