Opus 2011-229, Book Review: The Witch Doctor

Occasionally you run into a sci-fi author who is not afraid of Jesus.  Christopher Stasheff is one of those.  He has written a number of books on the theme of people being transported to alternate universes in which magic works.  In all of his stories there is also the existence of the Roman Catholic Church.  He has an interesting blend of the two forces and makes them work together quite well.  Although all the traditional elements of fantasy are alive and well so are grace and repentance.

I came across one quote that I thought was really great.  The protagonist is struggling with what he believes and he says,

“I was a devoutly agnostic Protestant, and the God I didn’t believe in was Calvin’s...” p. 55

Many of us have the residue of the truth in us.  It was placed there by God.  Unfortunately we use that residue as something to fight against, even when we don’t know what it is. 

If you like sci-fi and fantasy and are tired of the emphasis on evil, give Stasheff a try.

Stasheff, Christopher.  The Witch Doctor.  New York:  Ballantine Books, 1994.

homo unius libri