Content Warning: The source material features depictions of terrorism, murder, and death. Suicide and self-harm, as well as alcohol and drug addiction, are present in the text.

Edmond Kirsch, a prominent atheist and futurist, approaches a monastery while wondering if Bishop Valdespino, a Luddite and science-skeptic, will receive his news well. Kirsch is led to a library few outsiders have seen and meets two other religious men, Rabbi Köves and Imam al-Fadl. Once assembled, Kirsch explains that only he has the information he will share, and that the information will disrupt the faith-based world. In three days, he plans to reveal that all religions are incorrect.

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of semiotics (religious symbolism) explores the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, curious to soon hear Kirsch’s big announcement in person. He has been invited personally by his one-time student. A year prior, Kirsch asked Langdon to explain the creation story from various religious perspectives, which he did. Now Kirsch’s invitation claims Langdon’s stories helped inspire his big announcement.