"Oh God, there were so many stars you could have used...."

[lastlib]

"What was the need to give these people to the fire, that the symbol of their passing might shine above Bethlehem?"

--Arthur C. Clarke, "The Star", copyright 1955.

In this short story, a team of space explorers from Earth undertake an expedition to a remote star system, where they discover the remnants of an advanced civilization which was destroyed when the star went supernova. The chief astrophysicist of the team, a Jesuit priest, undergoes a deep crisis of faith when he realizes that that supernova was seen on Earth as the Star of Bethlehem. He is shaken to realize that the destruction of this peaceful civilization heralded the birth of Jesus.

This story has always had a high 'wow' factor with me, and has certainly made me think very deeply about the religious faith that dominates our culture. I make it a point to re-read it every Christmas.

[Cartoonist]

1. I felt it was contrived

I remember reading that story long ago. I thought it was a set-up the moment I finished. Had it been a real event, which of course it wasn't, then it might have meant something. But since it was made up entirely, then it was more like a straw man. The main flaw for me was that to suspend disbelief of science to accept space travel as described in the story, one also had to believe in the star of Bethlehem. That's kind of like two lies for price of one. No thanks.

[exboyfil]

2. It is a memorable story

I still remember reading it as a kid. As an adult I can agree with you about how it feels contrived. Typical of speculative fiction you can think what if??

Clarke obviously produced better work, but I would not dump on it. Neither would I see a deeper meaning in the story.

[Cartoonist]

4. Clarke

I agree with you about Clarke. I read that story in a compilation and enjoyed many of his stories. Childhood's End is a good one. I recommend it for readers of this group especially.

[littlemissmartypants]

3. Excellent. eom

[rug]

5. It's available on line. It's quite short.

http://www.uni.edu/morgans/astro/course/TheStar.pdf

I hadn't heard of this before. I enjoyed it. It does give one pause.

Thanks for posting it.

[cbayer]

6. This sounds like something I would like.

One of my favorite books is "The Sparrow". Interestingly it also involves a Jesuit priest that has a crisis of faith while visiting an inhabited planet.

Will check this out.

Thanks!