Paradise World

  Paradise World

  by Dan Edmund

  Published by Dan Edmund

  Copyright 2011 by Dan Edmund

  Author's Note

  The story as well as the characters found within this novel are entirely fictitious. Any resemblance to any character either by name or profession is coincidental. The only exceptions are Sir Thomas More and the Apostle John, also known as Saint John the Divine, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. Several other historical figures, however, are also mentioned in the story, as well as references to historical events, music, literature and, of course, the Bible. In all these areas I have tried to be as accurate as possible.

  Concerning religions and afterlife beliefs, I have been very conscious of the fact that there are vast differences of opinions. I have thus endeavored to treat these subjects with great respect as well as accuracy. In a couple of early scenes involving the protagonist, David Eliot, and the historian, Professor Harry Marston, there are some heated debates and arguments. However, they involve the typical issues and challenges the modern Christian has to confront from today's mainstream science and history. It is sincerely hoped that no offense has been caused. Yet, even so, it will be noted that David still managed a good defense of Christianity.

  As regard to millennialism specifically, I am also well aware of the similarities and differences in the teachings of the main millenarian religions. As Christ's Millennium forms the setting to this novel, I have focused on their similarities rather than their differences. The actual name of the religion in the novel, 'Millenarian Brethren,' is fictional, but encompasses the spirit that all the millenarian Christian religions share: Christ's Second Coming, Armageddon, the Millennium itself, a Paradise on Earth, a resurrection from the dead, and everlasting life to the faithful.

  Publishers of fiction have very much neglected stories set in Christ's Millennium, despite the millions of worldwide believers. Although there have been a number of Christian apocalyptic, disaster type novels published during and since the 20th century, according to my research, perhaps only three had specifically the Millennium as a paradise as their actual setting. They were The Dawn of All by Robert Benson, published in 1911, and The Man Who Could Not Sin by Newman Watts, published in 1938. The former was a Catholic Millennium, the latter, a Protestant. But both were urban, technological societies. The third book was Kingdom Come: The Final Victory by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, published in 2007. This was the last of a series of 16 best-selling novels, collectively known as Left Behind, which are based upon Born Again Christian beliefs that lead up and into the 'Last Days' and on until the final stages of the Millennium.

  There have also been science fiction stories in which a very modernized Millennium had been created and ruled by a Christ-like figure who had been an extraterrestrial, or some other supernatural being. The setting of Paradise World, on the other hand, although certainly not dogmatic, is nevertheless firmly rooted in Christian millenarian beliefs and ideologies, particularly as it is found in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation. Paradise World is also a rural paradise, where pristine nature, viewed as God's creation, forms an integral part to the story.

  However, my novel is also a spiritual odyssey, a quest to attempt to understand the great mysteries of life and death. Mainly through the character of Professor Harry Marston, a vast array of subjects are also explored, including history, science, philosophy, psychology, literature, classical music, utopias, paranormal research, conspiracy theories, esoteric symbology, as well as ancient western and eastern religions. Yet, interwoven amongst all of this is also the exploration of beauty, love, faith, forgiveness, peace and happiness. It is thus with the greatest of pleasure that I now invite you to share all the wonders and joys of Paradise World. May you find as much pleasure in reading it as I had in writing it.

  Dan Edmund

  February 15, 2012

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