Something happened to the first humans who landed on Mars. All contact with them had been lost. The book therefore begins with the arrival of a rescue mission to Mars, which discovers the protagonist, Valentine Michael Smith, who has been born and raised on Mars, by native Martians. He possesses extraordinary abilities due to this unique upbringing. Smith is brought to Earth by the mission and becomes a subject of intense interest and scrutiny, especially by the media and religious groups.
As Smith learns about human culture and customs, he becomes disillusioned with the selfishness and materialism of society. He starts to question traditional morality and social norms, including monogamy and organized religion.
Smith attracts a group of followers who form a new religion around his teachings. They establish a community called the Church of All Worlds, which practices free love, communal living, and a rejection of societal norms. The church's teachings and practices become increasingly controversial, leading to clashes with the government and traditional religious organizations. and criticized for its unconventional approach to these themes. Heinlein's exploration of sexuality and his rejection of traditional social norms was considered groundbreaking at the time of the book's publication. Additionally, the book's critique of organized religion and emphasis on individualism resonated with many readers.
