REVIEW:
The concept of Infinite Space, Infinite God, an anthology of Catholic sci-fi, is
an intriguing one—Catholicism and science . . . and science fiction to boot?
come on, everyone knows that the two are incompatible—remember Galileo,
people? Was this a group of writer-heretics?
The backbone of ISIG is the editorial commentary. The Fabians introduce ISIG
with a commentary on science and the Catholic church. While there are those
Christian legalists who would dissect the Fabian's argument, I found it
interesting, however, unnecessary to apologize for writing sci-fi, whatever
one's beliefs. It is fiction, fantasy, written by authors glorifying Him with their
talents. Within the book itself, the Fabians introduce each segment of stories
with thought-provoking discussion: "The Catholic Church and Humanity," ". . .
Evangelism," ". . . its Servants," etc. The result is an organized survey of well-
crafted and entertaining Catholic sci-fi.
Some of ISIG's Highlights:
In Karina Fabian's "Interstellar Calling," Frankie, a sixteen-year-old is tired and
disillusioned with her life—and like many folks in this position, blames God. The
author lulls the reader seemingly into a romance story or at best, a growing-up
story. But Fabian changes gears smoothly to provide the heroine a chance at a
cool life-changing event.
Every anthology needs a good spy story and in "The Mask of the Ferret" (Ken
Pick and Alan Loewen) we have an intergallactic version of secret agent
(priest) on the trail of a fugitive smuggler. The ancient artifact the priest seeks
is dangerous cargo for the interstellar craft and its unusual group of travelers
and crew. The storyline is enjoyable and the characters a real kick (sorry real
fans of intergallactic-ness).
"A Cruel and Unusual Punishment" (Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff) is the fascinating
journey of a Sein Finn soldier, slated for death row, who gains redepemption
through the Zagorsky experiment. A must read!
And finally, Simon Morden's "Little Madeleine." I was eager to read a sample of
Dr. Morden's work. I'd recently read his essay Sex, Death and Christian Fiction
and wanted to determine for myself where his fiction fit . . . in the 10% or the
ninety (you'll have to read his essay to decipher this code) of Christian fiction.
Like the rest of the stories contained in ISIG, "Little Madeleine" did not
disappoint. The concept of the Joans, warrior-nuns who protect God's
servants, is pretty darn cool. Morden is a talented writer who sends the CBA
church-lady-protective filters flying, à la Little Madeleine herself.
The Fabians have amassed a fine group of writers in ISIG. Besides being
entertaining, these stories provoke thought, educate us non-Catholics, and
give the reader a new take on commonly held suppositions about the the
Catholic church. Pick up a copy of Infinite Space, Infinite God and see for
yourself—but careful, this is hot stuff!
The concept of Infinite Space, Infinite God, an anthology of Catholic sci-fi, is
an intriguing one—Catholicism and science . . . and science fiction to boot?
come on, everyone knows that the two are incompatible—remember Galileo,
people? Was this a group of writer-heretics?
The backbone of ISIG is the editorial commentary. The Fabians introduce ISIG
with a commentary on science and the Catholic church. While there are those
Christian legalists who would dissect the Fabian's argument, I found it
interesting, however, unnecessary to apologize for writing sci-fi, whatever
one's beliefs. It is fiction, fantasy, written by authors glorifying Him with their
talents. Within the book itself, the Fabians introduce each segment of stories
with thought-provoking discussion: "The Catholic Church and Humanity," ". . .
Evangelism," ". . . its Servants," etc. The result is an organized survey of well-
crafted and entertaining Catholic sci-fi.
Some of ISIG's Highlights:
In Karina Fabian's "Interstellar Calling," Frankie, a sixteen-year-old is tired and
disillusioned with her life—and like many folks in this position, blames God. The
author lulls the reader seemingly into a romance story or at best, a growing-up
story. But Fabian changes gears smoothly to provide the heroine a chance at a
cool life-changing event.
Every anthology needs a good spy story and in "The Mask of the Ferret" (Ken
Pick and Alan Loewen) we have an intergallactic version of secret agent
(priest) on the trail of a fugitive smuggler. The ancient artifact the priest seeks
is dangerous cargo for the interstellar craft and its unusual group of travelers
and crew. The storyline is enjoyable and the characters a real kick (sorry real
fans of intergallactic-ness).
"A Cruel and Unusual Punishment" (Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff) is the fascinating
journey of a Sein Finn soldier, slated for death row, who gains redepemption
through the Zagorsky experiment. A must read!
And finally, Simon Morden's "Little Madeleine." I was eager to read a sample of
Dr. Morden's work. I'd recently read his essay Sex, Death and Christian Fiction
and wanted to determine for myself where his fiction fit . . . in the 10% or the
ninety (you'll have to read his essay to decipher this code) of Christian fiction.
Like the rest of the stories contained in ISIG, "Little Madeleine" did not
disappoint. The concept of the Joans, warrior-nuns who protect God's
servants, is pretty darn cool. Morden is a talented writer who sends the CBA
church-lady-protective filters flying, à la Little Madeleine herself.
The Fabians have amassed a fine group of writers in ISIG. Besides being
entertaining, these stories provoke thought, educate us non-Catholics, and
give the reader a new take on commonly held suppositions about the the
Catholic church. Pick up a copy of Infinite Space, Infinite God and see for
yourself—but careful, this is hot stuff!
SUMMARY:
Come explore the worlds of Infinite Space, Infinite God. Meet genetically
engineered chimeras and aliens who wonder what a human religion holds for
them. Share the doubts, trials and triumphs of humans who find their journeys
in time and space are also journeys in faith. Experience spine-tingling
adventure. Marvel at technological miracles—and miracles that transcend
technology—and meet the writers who made a leap of faith and dared to
incorporate familiar religion with fantastic universes. Entertaining and thought-
provoking, Infinite Space, Infinite God represents the best in SF tradition.
Faith-filled fiction for readers that think.
Come explore the worlds of Infinite Space, Infinite God. Meet genetically
engineered chimeras and aliens who wonder what a human religion holds for
them. Share the doubts, trials and triumphs of humans who find their journeys
in time and space are also journeys in faith. Experience spine-tingling
adventure. Marvel at technological miracles—and miracles that transcend
technology—and meet the writers who made a leap of faith and dared to
incorporate familiar religion with fantastic universes. Entertaining and thought-
provoking, Infinite Space, Infinite God represents the best in SF tradition.
Faith-filled fiction for readers that think.
| THE GUILD REVIEW RECOMMENDS: |
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