EASTON, Pa., March 4, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- A futuristic race of people is banished from their home because of their religious beliefs and set adrift in space in the new novel, The Pariah Stigma (now available through 1stBooks). Howard Selden examines the power of faith through a science fiction story mirroring persecutions that have taken place in the past.
"(The Pariah Stigma) is compelling, optimistic, emotionally charged and multileveled -- appealing to both young and old alike. It is a science fiction story of the spiritual redemption of a disabled people and their tormentors. The power of faith is strengthened and reinforced," Selden says.
The Pariah Stigma focuses on the Evreetim people, the working class of Earth who hold faith in their ancient religion and refuse to reject their god and swear allegiance to the pantheon of gods of the ruling class, Juntas. Due to their adherence to their religion, they are declared Pariah people by the Juntas and subjected to a state sponsored persecution and genocide that decimates the Evreetim community.
When an elderly scientist, Ishodor, makes a startling announcement about an environmental crisis on Earth, the Juntas banish him and the remaining Evreetim to a remote planet named Athermanous. There, Ishodor leads the people to rebuild their lives and religion. On this foreign planet, they prosper. Ishodor eventually marries the beautiful, youthful Mira who bears him a son, Jowal. As Ishodor ages, Jowal takes over as spiritual leader and helps them construct a new settlement in a secure valley, where they discover a prosperous and satisfying life. However, emotional scars from their heritage still haunt them. Jowal creates an institution to preserve their history, but it will be up to his son, Little Ishodor, to elevate them and their religion.
The Pariah Stigma is a science fiction story about the strength and power of faith as seen through the struggles of a displaced people.
Selden is an endodontist who has published more than 30 papers in peer reviewed journals. Living in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains with his wife and three children, Selden and his family are avid skiers. The Pariah Stigma is his first book.
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