When John Cave, a former funeral office employee, appears on television proclaiming that death is infinitely preferable to life, it triggers the explosion of a religious movement that quickly turns Christianity and Islam into dust. With the help of an unprecedented advertising campaign and the support of a "theology" inspired by a history enthusiast infatuated with one of Cave's seductive disciples, Cave's message proves irresistible. However, the situation begins to spiral out of control when the idea of "voluntary death" becomes doctrine and the whole world is encouraged to abandon the earthly realm by taking the Path of Cave - a painless and delicious poison - in specially designed pleasant rooms in countless Caveite Centers.

An intelligent and audacious blend of prophecy and satire, first published in 1964, "The Messiah" predicted with astonishing foresight the extremism of individuals such as Jim Jones, David Koresh, and "Do," the guru of the Gate of Paradise.