Stranger in Strange Land (Remembering Tomorrow) by Robert Heinlein

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein is one of the most influential works of literature of the 20th century. First published in 1961, the novel has had an enduring impact on culture, inspiring generations of later authors, musicians, filmmakers, and other artists.

Set in a future where humans have colonized Mars, the novel follows Michael Valentine Smith, a human raised by Martians, as he returns to Earth and becomes an influential figure in a rapidly changing society. Smith’s status as a strange visitor to Earth makes him both an outsider and a source of fascination and fear among the population. Through this lens, Heinlein presents an exploration of human religion, philosophy, and political organization.

The novel begins with the discovery of Smith’s spaceship, which was sent from Mars some 15 years earlier. Smith had been raised by Martians and came to Earth in hopes of reuniting with his human family. Upon arriving, Smith found that much had changed in his absence, including the rapid adoption of certain religious practices, especially those related to the concept of “grokking.” In essence, grokking is a way of putting oneself in another's shoes in order to fully understand and empathize with them. It’s an ancient Martian practice that humans had embraced and come to view as a type of religion.

In his travels on Earth, Smith is constantly dealing with the conflicting attitudes of those around him. He is viewed as both a prophet and an abomination. Some see him as a potential savior for mankind, an agent of profound religious and spiritual enlightenment, and a unifier of cultures. Others view him as a dangerous theological threat and a de-stabilizing influence.

With the help of some of his newfound human allies, Smith begins to teach humans the Martian practices of grokking and other principles of Martian faith and society. He becomes something of a cult leader, inspiring adoration and fanaticism in some and fear and hatred in others. Eventually, Smith’s teachings take root, inspiring a new wave of human progress and a new form of political organization known as the “Federacy”.

The novel’s conclusion is open-ended, leaving much to the reader's interpretation. As Smith and his followers prepare to begin the journey to Mars, the novel ends with Smith proclaiming, “Thou art God.” This ambiguous message serves as an invitation to the reader, to explore the unfamiliar and face the unknown, to learn from the past and strive for something better in the future.

Throughout the novel, Heinlein uses Smith’s story as a vehicle for exploring humanity’s persistent search for meaning and purpose. He examines the perils of religious fundamentalism, the dangers of unchecked power, and the nature of social progress and enlightenment. By setting the story in a future world and exploring it through the lens of a stranger, Heinlein transcends the limited perspective of his readers and allows them to consider the implications of their current actions. In doing so, he invites readers to consider their own faith, to look beyond their comfort zone, and to strive towards a better tomorrow.