For a so called atheist, the plot offered a fresh insight to the soul and mind of a Jesuit and, if there is one in Clarke's universe, the apparent capriciousness of God.
Oh God, there were so many stars you could have used. What was the need to give these people to the fire, that the symbol of their passing might shine above Bethlehem?
BTW lots of Clarke's short writings gave me pause to think.
Does anyone around recall a Clarke shorty story where the scientists get the idea to hooked up a the computers in the world into one great super computer to ask it all the questions that puzzle mankind.
They finally get the wiring done and there is this one single switch to link together all the computers. The switch is closed and the head scientist ask the question: "Is there a God?"
"There is now," replies the computer and a lightning bolt flashes, sealing the switch closed forever.
He will be missed.