Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion
When a man can present himself as a god, or at least as divinity’s chosen servant, and his supporters promote his fantasy, he can wield authority like no other. Messiahs! Rulers and the Role of Religion explores history’s recurring rise of despotic rulers and examines how they portrayed themselves as gods in their quest for domination. Whether emperors or kings, tyrants or despots, they all succumbed to megalomania. Has the world seen the last of these god-men?
Men As Gods
It’s a reality with a colorful history dating back to ancient empires: Powerful leaders sometimes fall prey to grand delusions.
The Coming of the “Christian” Emperor
Some notions of rule and their relation to religion have surprisingly deep roots. David Hulme explores government systems based on emperor worship.
The Fall and Rise of the Roman Empire
The idea that a political regime can confer divinity has remarkable longevity, particularly among historical dictators.
Aspects of Empire: Roman, Holy and German
A look at Otto the Great and his role in a reemerging Roman empire, this time in Germany.
Where the Sun Never Set: Charles V and the Defense of Christendom
The last emperor to be crowned by a pope, Charles V viewed himself as a soldier of God—with Mars and Neptune at his side.
“I Am Called to Change the World”
Described as the “restorer of religion, savior of the Church, anointed sovereign, living saint,” Napoleon was perhaps one of the most arrogant false messiahs.
Hearts of Darkness
The magnitude of evil perpetrated by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini and their brutal totalitarian regimes proved them utterly false messiahs.
Dictators’ Downfall
Hitler and Mussolini exuded messianic pretensions even before they came to power, and later willingly accepted the divinity their adoring publics granted them.
Purging the People
In the Soviet Union, the exploitation of religious fervor helped foster one of the most murderous regimes in history.
Oriental Christs
Manipulation of religious fervor is an important element in the rise and rule of dictators such as Mao Zedong, Pol Pot and Kim Il-sung.
The Final False Messiah
Historically would-be saviors who promised peace and prosperity failed to deliver. Can any human being or form of government ultimately deliver us or bring salvation?