Book: Religion and Dr Who

Time and Relative Dimensions in Faith: Religion & Doctor Who, a forthcoming new book from Darton Longman & Todd,  examines in depth for the first time, the interaction between religion and Doctor Who over its 50 year lifespan, considering both religious themes on the show and the way in which religious organisations have made use of the programme. A collection of essays written in a scholarly yet accessible style, the book brings together academics working in History, Film, Theology, Sociology, Law and Anthropology to consider the many ways in which religion and Doctor Who have interacted.

The first half of the book contains chapters looking at the way religious themes have been used throughout the show’s lifespan, from the question of immortality, to changing uses of the concept of fate; from the portrayal of Buddhism to the Doctor’s continued challenges to “false Gods”. The second half of the book turns its attention to Doctor Who in the wider world. How has the show represented the changing face of British religion? And to what extent could Doctor Who fandom be considered a religion?

Indeed, since its return in 2005 Doctor Who has been nominated for a US 'Epiphany Award' by Evangelical Christians, featured a guest appearance by Richard Dawkins, and served as the basis of a Church of England conference on using the show in evangelism. All of this underlines the importance of religious themes in the seminal series.

Time and Relative Dimensions in Faith: Religion & Doctor Who
edited by Andrew Crome & James McGrath. Published by Darton, Longman & Todd
978 0232 53021 6 £14.99 Published: 29 October 2013