Stranger in a Strange Land Summary

The first manned mission to Mars ends in mystery as the crew vanishes without a trace. A quarter of a century later, a second mission discovers a human child, Valentine Michael Smith, who has been raised by the Martian populace. Following a series of legal events, Smith has inherited a colossal fortune and potentially holds the title to Mars itself, making him a pivotal figure in Earth's politics. He's taken into custody by Earth's government leader, Joseph Douglas, and held in a hospital where he slowly adapts to Earth's atmosphere and begins to grasp its culture and language, which are drastically different from Martian thought.

Journalist Ben Caxton is suspicious of Douglas's intentions towards Smith, suspecting him of using the "Man from Mars" for his own political gains, possibly with lethal consequences. He convinces his friend and past lover, Jill Boardman, a nurse at the hospital, to aid him in surveying Smith's condition. When Caxton gets on the government's radar, he's snatched up, leading Boardman to help Smith escape the hospital, which they achieve using Smith's Martian-taught psychic powers. They seek refuge with Jubal Harshaw, a renowned individual of many talents, who assists in protecting them from the authorities. At Harshaw's residence, Smith engrosses himself in learning about Earth's culture and religions. Eventually, Harshaw manages to negotiate with Douglas to call off the police and free Caxton. He also quells Smith's political relevance by stating that Mars can't legally belong to Smith as the Martian race had inhabited it long before Smith's birth. Harshaw persuades Douglas to supervise Smith's immense personal wealth, thus gaining an ally.

Smith develops a particular interest in religion and, accompanied by Harshaw and Boardman, visits the headquarters of a religious group, the Fosterites. The Fosterites wish to use Smith's newfound fame to benefit their cause. A dispute arises between Smith and the Fosterite Supreme Bishop, resulting in Smith making the Bishop vanish. This incident leads Smith to a self-realization, and he decides to traverse Earth's cultures while remaining incognito. He and Boardman join a carnival, displaying Smith's powers through a magician's act. During their journey, Smith grasps previously elusive human concepts and founds his own church, the Church of All Worlds. Despite the church's successful growth and the development of a close community of followers, Smith faces increasing persecution. Harshaw, who perceives Smith as a son, is concerned about this and visits him, offering comfort among Smith's followers. Despite questioning the effectiveness of his attempts to assist humanity, Smith remains committed to his beliefs, leading to his eventual martyrdom by an enraged mob. His followers, including Harshaw, continue to propagate his work on Earth.