A Case of Conscience by James Blish

 Can a perfect society exist without God? The book follows a Jesuit Priest, Father Ruiz-Sanchez as he studies the planet Lithia with a team of explorers. As Ruiz-Sanchez learns more about the Lithians, the more in awe and in horror he becomes. Lithia is a utopia, a place without sin. A place that seems to mock Christian beliefs. Sanchez-Ruiz grapples with the question of whether the divine created Lithia or is it a demonic illusion.

The book is intellectual, discussing the nature of good and evil and how evil spreads. At the same time, the story is being told from the point of view of a Jesuit priest who may or may not be an unreliable narrator.

The world building is vivid and impressive. The planet of Lithia feels like a real place and the biology of the Lithians is remarkable and detailed. The world does not feel overwhelming as Ruiz-Sanchez guides the reader through the world. The first half is a perfect story.

The second half is less engaging. Father Ruiz-Sanchez has returned to a futuristic Earth impacted by a past nuclear war. The scenes aren’t as engaging but the philosophical ideas and the question of the nature of the Lithians and of evil keep it moving forward. The ending is vague but the question of whether Father Ruiz-Sanchez was right or wrong lingers long after finishing the book.

This is an important science fiction book that combines theology with speculative fiction. It brings up the question of whether Christianity could be possible in futuristic sci-fi universes. Amazon describes it as Christian science fiction, but it can be read by those of any faith. It is not preachy, and leaves questions open to the reader. Blish is an example of how someone can properly mix Christianity with science fiction. 

I give it an A for excellent.