Back in Time: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Doctor Who (Couch, Watkins & Williams, Damaris Books/Authentic Media, £6.99)

In 1963, a low-budget TV series revolutionised Saturday evenings. Notwithstanding some unconvincing monsters made of bubble wrap and sink plungers, generations of children were terrorised - cowering behind the sofa as Daleks, Autons and Cybermen invaded their previously-safe homes. The phenomenon was, of course, Doctor Who.

Despite disappearing from our screens in the late 80s, a loyal band of fans kept the TARDIS in the spotlight. Conventions, books, magazines and even a Hollywood film emerged. The Doctor could not be killed off!

Finally, on 26 March 2005, Whovians were on the edge of their sofas as a new Time Lord materialised. Starring Christopher Eccleston in the title role - and featuring the feisty Billie Piper as his new sidekick - the 21st Century Doctor Who was here. Written by enthusiast Russell T Davies, fans were promised 'everything the old series was, with a great big wodge of 2005 shoved into it'. Bubble wrap and sink plungers had given way to state-of-the-art digital effects. It was explosive, engaging and, yes, still scary!

Back in Time is the latest in the Damaris Thinking Fan's Guide series 'written by fans for fans'. Couch, Watkins and Williams are established Christian writers on popular culture, and self-confessed avids of Doctor Who. With rigour and humour, they demonstrate their encyclopaedic knowledge which includes a brief history of the Time Lords, a 2005 episode guide and a 26-page Who's Who. Trivia abounds. Did you know that Cronk Burgers cost 2 credits 20 on Satellite Five? You do now.

Whilst the facts, figures, obscure references and cross-links will delight Who fans of all generations, the book's purpose is to encourage readers to ponder the themes and issues the series raises. Sci-fi it may be, but whether it's in the fundamentalism of the Emperor-worshipping Daleks or the recurring theme of good overcoming evil, religion is never far from Doctor Who storylines.

The parallels between The Doctor and Jesus - both having given their lives sacrificially, only to be 'regenerated' - are explored. Morality, ethics, meaning and purpose are studied, using episodes of the 2005 series as a reference. The tensions between science and religion are laid bare. Science fiction is skilfully weaved with spiritual fact as the writers take us on a journey from Eccleston to Ecclesiastes (via Gallifrey and Raxacoricofallapatorius, naturally).

And the nub? Who fans are encouraged to approach faith in an intelligent, informed manner - just as their hero The Doctor might. Rather than revering and idolising a fictional character, readers are invited to consider an encounter with the life-changing Jesus. As The Doctor himself said: 'Don't worship me. I'd make a very bad god - you wouldn't get a day off for starters.'

Back in Time is accessible and well-written, designed to be read by Who aficionados regardless of background. It offers a cringe-free 'way in' to the Christian faith, grounded in concepts and language which will be familiar to sci-fi devotees. It's also a good introduction to Who for anyone wishing to keep abreast of this most contemporary of cultural phenomena.

David Giles, December 2005

• David Giles is the webmaster for The Salvation Army in the UK & Ireland.