Refracted Light

[coalescent]

A Christian Perspective on Fantasy and Science Fiction:

The Time Machine by HG Wells
Morality: C-
Writing: B
[...]
As an adventure story the book is all right, I suppose, although certainly nothing impressive, especially compared to the complexity of much modern sci-fi. The thinly-veiled social commentary, besides seeming slightly dated, annoyed me quite a bit. But my main problem morally was the book's whole outlook on the world -- it assumes not only evolution, but evolution unguided by any purpose, and humans as a fading race, fading beyond recognition in this future era after the glorious apex of their civilization. Christianity holds that humanity has both a purpose and an inherent dignity. This book lacks substantial hope. It's probably too short and straightforward to be harmful, but in its worldview, it's not uplifting. And it's not that well-written, either -- adequate, certainly, but not impressive.

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M Miller, Jr
Morality: A
Writing: A+
[...]
As you have probably already guessed, this is not only a well-written book but a profoundly religious one. It is drenched in Catholicism and will therefore probably have more meaning (and humor) for Catholics, but I think that Christians of all stripes will appreciate its message of sin and hope. Read it, and then sit on your friends until they read it too.

Tales From The White Hart by Arthur C Clarke
Morality: B
Writing: B
[...]
There's not a whole lot of moral content to this book one way or the other.

via Justine Larbalastier, whose own book got a B for morality, and who makes the perfectly fair point that this a much healthier approach than trying to actually ban Harry Potter. Happily for the rest of us, it's also much funnier.

Comments

Re: Post religious SF

[communicator.livejournal.com]

My dad introduced me to SF when I was a wee lass, and he's a church-goer. I always wonder how he reconciles the two. I can understand someone writing a story from within their own perspective ('The book of Mormon is true' or whatever) but how do they read books in which their own perspective is false? Particularly the convincing books? Suspension of dis/belief I suppose.

Re: Post religious SF

[sparkymark.livejournal.com]

but how do they read books in which their own perspective is false?
Like ones with faster-than-light or time travel?