Title: The Resurrection Encounter: A Science Fiction Parable for a Nuclear Age
Author: Tom T. Skore
Publisher: Blue Ink Media Solutions
ISBN: 978-1594330001
Pages: 159
Genre: Christian / Science Fiction
Reviewer: Gabriella Harrison
Pacific Book Review
Author Tom T. Skore presents a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, in his book The Resurrection Encounter: A Science Fiction Parable for a Nuclear Age. What if there was a way to time-travel and somehow intervene in the events that unfolded, would Jesus’ message have been better received at a later time in the future, or would the outcome have been similar? These questions and many more are the central focus of this radically imaginative novel.
With tensions rising as Jesus preaches His message of salvation, Kaseel (an alien) hears Him preaching and His message resonates deeply with him: “Kaseel couldn’t quite put his finger on what was different about this man called Jesus… a wonderful combination of gentleness and intensity which drew Kaseel to him…” In fact, the message resonates so deeply that he can’t let go of the encounter, so he puts a tracking device on Jesus, and when it becomes apparent that there are plans to kill Him (to Kaseel’s complete dumbfoundment), he along with his team intervene to stop what they regard as a tragic event. Getting Him out of what appears to be a hopeless situation initially seems like a success, but succeeding events constantly challenge and douse this belief, especially when they arrive in a chaotic future. When the earnest intentions of the aliens are considered in comparison to the persistent hardheartedness of the humans, it is saddening. However, Jesus’ enduring influence is evident even as some again call for his death while others advocate for him.
Skore does a lovely job using some people’s continued refusal to believe, even in the future, to show how revelation doesn’t always guarantee transformation, no matter how glaring it is. It is also interesting to see the stark contrast between the actual days of Jesus and the present twenty-first century, and this is balanced by the similarities between the two periods, such as a continued war-ravaged Israel and a determination to still persecute and frame Jesus even in the twenty-first century. By filtering a sacred narrative through the lens of science fiction, uncomfortable questions about free will and the limits of compassion when it attempts to override human choice are explored. It isn’t meant as a definitive answer to faith-based questions. It’s an extended moral thought experiment that considers divine timing.
Indeed, while author Tom T. Skore’s The Resurrection Encounter is quite unorthodox, it remains thoughtful and respectful while being intellectually curious. I had never considered or imagined such an angle and found this book interesting and different. This thought-provoking novel asks whether humanity can rise again, or if it is destined to repeat its darkest mistakes. It’s definitely worth the read, especially for readers who enjoy science fiction and faith-based novels.
