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A review of Jupiter

by Ben Bova

Can Christian and Extraterrestrial beliefs coexist?

Reviewed by: Twelve
About Twelve

Jupiter Among the mass of people who call themselves "Christians", of which I am a part, there are quite often traditional beliefs that tend to block the way of intelligent thought. I am speaking of these traditions that are not found in Christianity's guide book, the Bible; those that are made up over time in the minds of people and actually have nothing to do with true faith. However, these traditions are sometimes so deeply implanted in the minds of many Christians that any finding or thought that goes against them are seen as a challenge and despised. It generally takes quite a while for popular Christianity to accept new findings, generally scientific ones, and to realize that the truth within them is not so faith-shattering after all. An easy example would be the truth that the earth is not the center of the galaxy, but is merely another globe circling around a massive star. Ben Bova, said by Ray Bradbury to be "the science-fiction author who will have the greatest effect on the world", carries on with this train of thought in his book titled 'Jupiter'.

Bova writes a scenario that takes place in the future, to a time when scientists are on the brink of finding life on the planet of Jupiter. A major religious group on the planet, named the New Morality(though obviously a reference to Christianity, based on the book's description of this group), wants to make sure that such a discovery isn't found. They, like many of today's Christians, feel that discovering alien life forms would undertake the idea of God, who made man "in his image" according to the book of Genesis. In other words, if an alien is found and it doesn't look like a human, then the fear is that a universal God would suddenly appear much more localized in the eyes of many.

The author dives head-first into the debate, delivering his tale through the point of view of an open-minded chap named Grant Archer, personally sent by the New Morality to make sure nothing caustic to their faith is found. What turns out is a great read, the kind of book that will make you think with every page. Bova does a wonderful job avoiding the nerdy weirdness of many science-fiction novels, writing in everyday language yet opening concepts that are nothing less than profound. Yet it is more than just a thought-provoking scientific text; it is also a stirring tale that combines aspects of a thriller, mystery, and adventure novel. He also builds an entire credible and futuristic world, staying true to the roots of good science-fiction creativity.

As a Christian, I was skeptical when I first started with 'Jupiter', thinking that Bova would take the route of slighting my beliefs as often as he is able. However, by making the main character a benevolent religious one, Bova avoids the possibility of a certain belief group bringing any real accusation against him. Of course, people will find a way to discredit his work anyhow, but the fact is that the author handles this issue with the utmost respect. He seems to have the healthy belief that the truth is the truth, and since both scientists and Christians claim to have it, they should always end up on the same page. Therefore, I recommend this book to thinkers of both sides of the spectrum, and to those just looking for a great, adventurous read.

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Jupiter

Copyright © by Twelve, 2002

Reviewed by Twelve :
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-- The Sigma Protocol - by Robert Ludlum
-- AKIRA, Volume 1 - by Katsuhiro Otomo
-- Valhalla Rising - by Clive Cussler
-- Warrior Class - by Dale Brown
-- The Dreamthief's Daughter - by Michael Moorcock
-- Jupiter - by Ben Bova
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-- Knots and Crosses - by Ian Rankin
-- The Dragonbone Chair - by Tad Williams
-- Corpse Candle - by Paul Doherty
-- Flood Tide - by Clive Cussler
-- Samurai! - by Saburo Sakai
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