God and Mr. Wells: A Critical Examination of 'God the Invisible King'

"God and Mr. Wells: A Critical Examination of 'God the Invisible King'" by William Archer is an analytical critique focused on H.G. Wells' theological work, written in the early 20th century. This treatise delves into the concept of God as presented by Wells and offers a philosophical inquiry into the nature of divinity, religious experience, and the impact of such beliefs on society. Archer aims to assess the viability and implications of the "Invisible King" theology proposed by Wells, juxtaposing it with historical religious views and modern skepticism. The opening of the treatise sets the tone for a detailed critique, expressing Archer's anticipation of Wells' exploration of God and the subsequent disappointment in the conclusions drawn. Archer acknowledges the ambitious nature of Wells' pursuit to connect modern thought with spirituality but points out that Wells' work ultimately falls short of providing solid answers about the nature of God and existence. He critiques Wells for renouncing metaphysics and cosmogony, instead presenting a view of God that lacks connection to broader existential questions. This opening establishes the intellectual adventure Archer has undertaken, providing a framework for the critical discussion that follows regarding the nature of belief and its implications for humanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Archer was a Scottish author, theatre critic, and English spelling reformer based, for most of his career, in London. He was an early advocate of the plays of Henrik Ibsen, and a friend and advocate of George Bernard Shaw.