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After Such Knowledge #4

A Case of Conscience

Name: A Case of Conscience
Rating: 3.6 (7294 reviews)
Author: James Blish

James Blish January 1, 1958

3.6 7.3k Ratings

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Synopsis

Father Ruiz-Sanchez is a dedicated man–a priest who is also a scientist, and a scientist who is also a human being. He has found no insoluble conflicts in his beliefs or his ethics . . . until he is sent to Lithia. There he comes upon a race of aliens who are admirable in every way except for their total reliance on cold reason; they are incapable of faith or belief.

Confronted with a profound scientific riddle and ethical quandary, Father Ruiz-Sanchez soon finds himself torn between the teachings of his faith, the teachings of his science, and the inner promptings of his humanity. There is only one solution: He must accept an ancient and unforgivable heresy–and risk the futures of both worlds . . .

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