3.72
Part of "The Pandora Sequence" series
"The Jesus Incident" by Frank Herbert is a science fiction novel that explores the idea of religion, technology, and humanity's relationship with both. The story is set on the planet Pandora, where a group of human survivors are living in a post-apocalyptic world. The planet is inhabited by a sentient ocean called "the Change," which has the ability to alter the genetic makeup of any life form it comes into contact with. The human survivors are divided into two groups: the "god-men," who believe in the power of the Change and worship it as a god, and the "technologists," who believe in the power of technology and seek to control the Change. The two groups are in constant conflict, and the novel follows the story of a young man named Stark who becomes caught in the middle of their struggle. Herbert's writing is vivid and imaginative, and he creates a fully realized world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of religion and technology, and how they can be used for both good and evil. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is fast-paced and engaging. One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is the way Herbert explores the idea of religion and technology as competing forces. The "god-men" see the Change as a divine being, while the technologists see it as a problem to be solved. This dichotomy is reflected in the characters of Stark, who struggles to reconcile his belief in the Change with his desire to use technology to help the human survivors. Overall, "The Jesus Incident" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of science fiction and those interested in the intersection of religion and technology. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the choices we make in the face of the unknown...
Frank Herbert
Dune
If you enjoyed 'The Jesus Incident', you might like 'Dune' - Herbert's most famous work. This epic science fiction novel explores themes of religion, politics, and ecology, as a young man named Paul Atreides becomes the leader of a desert planet and its native people, the Fremen.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Fans of 'The Jesus Incident' may enjoy 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This novel, set in a distant galaxy, explores themes of gender and society, as an envoy from Earth attempts to bring a planet into a political alliance, only to find that its inhabitants can choose and change their gender.
Learn MoreMary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
Fans of 'The Jesus Incident' may enjoy 'The Sparrow' by Mary Doria Russell. This novel tells the story of a Jesuit mission to another planet, where they discover a intelligent alien species. However, their mission soon takes a dark turn, as they are confronted with the realities of colonialism and the challenges of cross-cultural communication.
Learn MoreOrson Scott Card
Ender's Game
If you enjoyed the exploration of artificial intelligence and humanity's relationship with technology in 'The Jesus Incident', you may like 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. This novel tells the story of a young boy named Ender Wiggin, who is recruited to attend a military academy in space and train to fight an alien invasion.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
Neuromancer
For readers who enjoyed the cyberpunk elements of 'The Jesus Incident', 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a must-read. This novel, which won the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K. Dick Awards, tells the story of a washed-up computer hacker who is hired by a mysterious employer to pull off the ultimate hack.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed
If you enjoyed the exploration of politics and society in 'The Jesus Incident', you may like 'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This novel tells the story of a physicist named Shevek, who travels from his anarchist home world to a neighboring capitalist planet in order to share his scientific discoveries.
Learn MoreRobert A. Heinlein
Starship Troopers
For readers who enjoyed the military elements of 'The Jesus Incident', 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein is a classic of science fiction. This novel tells the story of a young soldier named Juan Rico, who joins the Mobile Infantry to fight in an interstellar war against insect-like aliens.
Learn MoreLarry Niven
The Mote in God's Eye
If you enjoyed the exploration of first contact in 'The Jesus Incident', you may like 'The Mote in God's Eye' by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. This novel tells the story of a human spaceship that encounters a seemingly benevolent alien race, only to discover that they have a dark secret.
Learn MoreIain M. Banks
The Culture
For readers who enjoyed the exploration of artificial intelligence and post-scarcity societies in 'The Jesus Incident', 'The Culture' series by Iain M. Banks is a great choice. These novels explore the lives of the inhabitants of the Culture, a post-scarcity society where artificial intelligences and humans coexist in a utopian society.
Learn MoreJames S. A. Corey
The Expanse
If you enjoyed the political intrigue and space exploration in 'The Jesus Incident', you may like 'The Expanse' series by James S. A. Corey. This series tells the story of a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and the political tensions that arise between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt.
Learn More