spiritual-despair

Characters grapple with fear, bitterness, and doubt about God's presence and justice during overwhelming suffering.

2 chapters across 2 books

666! A Novel on the Millennium Years (1973)Salem Kirban

Chapter 2 SORROW at SINAI Abel Epstein was both bewildered and furious. Where had Brother Bartholomew disappeared? And what a time to leave! Every phone in the control center was ringing. And each one he answered brought messages of utter confusion and calamity. “Get us help, get us help. Mayday! Mayday! Some unseen force is wiping out our entire army!” Abel Epstein, in an attempt to remain calm replied, “Pull back your forces 3 miles and let’s reappraise the situation. Brother Bartholomew is not here. He’s probably on his way out to the front.” “Negative, sir, he is not here. ..and we have no forces to pull back. Just the Lieutenant and I remain from our entire regi¬ ment.” Epstein angrily slammed down the phone. For the first time in his life fear suddenly gripped him. Cold sweat poured out over his massive body. He jerked the Jerusa¬ lem contact phone from the wall and bellowed, “Get me Dr. Curter.” Dr. Curter was beginning to have doubts about the whole Megiddo expedition as he sat in his laboratory atop Mt. Herzl. From here looking northeast he could see the Mount of Olives.

In Chapter 2 of '666! A Novel on the Millennium Years,' Abel Epstein faces catastrophic chaos as an unseen force decimates his army at Megiddo, leading him to confront both physical and spiritual despair. Meanwhile, Dr. Curter witnesses surreal and horrifying scenes, including his own death, symbolizing the apocalyptic devastation. Sylvia reflects on her materialistic life and spiritual awakening amid the unfolding calamity, emphasizing the futility of wealth in the face of divine judgment.

The Day After Judgement (1964)James Blish

D. WILLIS MCKNIGHT

The chapter depicts a post-apocalyptic Venice serving as the temporary seat of the Holy See after the destruction of Rome, where Father Domenico struggles to minister to a despairing population amid signs of demonic influence and societal collapse. A new Pope, revealed to be the demon Agaress, is ominously elected, signaling the arrival of the Antichrist and escalating the spiritual crisis. Meanwhile, General McKnight prepares a nuclear assault on the demonic city of Dis, reflecting the ongoing military struggle against infernal forces.