The Absolute at Large · Question
How does The Absolute at Large develop the theme of Religious Conflict and War?
Answer
The Absolute at Large by Karel Čapek develops Religious Conflict and War across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The universal spread of the Absolute leads to competing national and sectarian claims over 'the true God,' sparking ideological wars, as seen in the battles and diplomatic disputes over whose God is legitimate.
The spread of the Absolute leads to clashes between clerical and progressive parties, with street closures and deaths.
The physical fight between Binder's merry-go-round followers and Kuzenda's dredge followers represents the first blow in a religious war.
Blahous predicts an era of religious struggles surpassing the Crusades and World Wars, highlighting the theme of conflict arising from religious division.
Evidence in the book
- Bishop Linda
The spread of the Absolute leads to clashes between clerical and progressive parties, with street closures and deaths.
- XI: The First Blow Struck
The physical fight between Binder's merry-go-round followers and Kuzenda's dredge followers represents the first blow in a religious war.
- Doctor Blahous
Blahous predicts an era of religious struggles surpassing the Crusades and World Wars, highlighting the theme of conflict arising from religious division.
- XVII: The Hammer and Star
The lodge debates clerical attacks and the role of Masonic neutrality amid religious upheaval and miraculous events.
- XVIII: In the Night Editor’s Room
Bishop Linda's fury and the competition among churches, monists, Masons, and socialists to claim the Absolute highlight religious and ideological conflict.
- XIX: The Process of Canonization
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.
- XX: St. Kilda
The conference reveals how each nation tries to co-opt the Absolute for its own political and religious agenda, leading to conflict.
- XXII: The Old Patriot
The chapter is saturated with reports of religious wars, schisms, and armed clashes between sects, such as the Sparta vs. Slavia football match with hand-grenades and machine-guns.
