Rebuttal: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Rebuttal: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Rebuttal is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Curtis, Betsy (1917–2002).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Rebuttal" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The book offers a counterpoint to Arthur C. Clarke's story "The Star," delving into themes of faith, purpose, and the concept of immortality through a scientific lens. It grapples with deep philosophical questions regarding existence and the divine, all set against a backdrop of space exploration and human experience. The story follows Father Niccolo Molina, a pathologist at St. Luke's Hospital, who is tasked with understanding the mysterious illness afflicting Father Phillip Burt, a member of the ill-fated Phoenix Nebula expedition. As they engage in a profound dialogue, Father Phillip reveals his existential crisis stemming from the crew's discovery that the universe operates without a discernible plan or divine presence. Through their conversation, Father Niccolo argues that human consciousness interacts with individual cells in a fundamentally significant way, suggesting that the essence of life persists beyond physical death. Ultimately, this philosophical exploration leads to a miraculous healing for Father Phillip, who emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and faith as he reconnects with his fellow crew members.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Rebuttal
- Author credits: Curtis, Betsy (1917–2002)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Christian life -- Fiction
- Diseases -- Fiction
- Physicians -- Fiction
- Priests -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Space travelers -- Fiction
- Star of Bethlehem -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Philosophy & Ethics
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


