Back in time

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BACK IN TIME
A Thinking fan’s guide to Doctor Who
By Steve Couch, Tony Watkins and Peter S. Williams
Damaris Books. 272 pages. £6.99
ISBN 1 904753 09 4

Written by fans for fans, this book is an enthusiast’s guide to Doctor Who, his adventures, and the themes in the series that connect him to life today. It has much to commend it as an application of a Christian mind to contemporary culture. I found plenty of useful material for launching pre-evangelistic conversation with those who share a fascination with the enigmatic Doctor, or science fiction more generally.

The first part of the book takes you on a sure-footed hike through the series, illuminating the character of the Doctor as it goes. His numerous regenerations are surveyed and tales of overcome foes and near fatal encounters are re-lived. There are fascinating asides about the origin of the Daleks and portraits of the varied companions who give us insight into the Doctor’s wisdom, passion and character. Each show in the recent series is summarised as a reminder. Make sure you have watched them all to get the best out of the ensuing reflection and avoid the inevitable plot spoilers.

The second and larger part of the book is taken up with an exploration of themes that give the Doctor his appeal. For example: the show’s realistic assessment of the human condition with its dignity and fallenness; the monsters which reflect to us what we could become; a picture of a full life of adventure and overcoming evil; and the vitality of humility. The conversational and low-cringe style makes it suitable for giving to interested non-Christian friends. This section succinctly critiques a materialistic worldview with its commitment to science as the key to what we can and cannot know.

Anyone reading this book hoping for a full explanation of the gospel message latent in the show will be disappointed. It confines itself tightly to the themes from the show, and occupies firmly pre-evangelistic territory. However, it offers a winsome and pro-vocative introduction to the Christian worldview. By being grounded in a popular TV show it is on home ground for the science fiction-loving sceptic. I do not hesitate to welcome it as a barrier-breaking appetiser.

Hugh Griffin, Guildford

© Evangelicals Now - June 2006
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