Henry Wentworth Monk - Thought and Work

Thought and Work

Monk's solution to the troubles of the world was derived from his interpretation of Revelation. He argued that Revelation predicted that a "great light" would "very . . . suddenly and unexpectedly overwhelm Christendom." He also cited Revelation's mention of Michael, the man-child. Michael would supposedly stand alone in the Kingdom of God for a time, only to be suddenly recognized by the world, which he would then rule with his "rod of iron." Monk was convinced that what Revelation was foretelling was the establishment of Palestine as a sort of global capital, which would serve two functions: firstly, a neutral ground where nations could settle their disputes via a permanent international tribunal, and secondly, a safe haven for the beleaguered Jews of the world. He believed that the "rod of iron" mentioned was the international tribunal, and the "great light" that would "overwhelm Christendom" was the return of the Jews to Palestine, and its establishment as a world capital. He fleshed out this idea with several very disparate philosophies.