What If?: Religious Themes in Science FictionWho am I? Why am I here?Where am I going?What if . . .?Science fiction delights in asking old questions in new ways. Rather than being primarily about advanced technology and the imagined future, science fiction novels and films are more fundamentally about issues of human nature and destiny. They provide a unique perspective on the same questions that have dominated theology and philosophy throughout history. In this fascinating book, Mike Alsford aims neither to give a history of science fiction, nor to systematically identify specific religious motifs within the genre, but to create an interdisciplinary, exploratory space where we can engage with the primal themes in new ways. Whether we are already well-versed in science fiction, or have had only the briefest encounters with Frankenstein’s monster and Doctor Who, this book will provide exciting insights into questions of identity, the human condition, our relationships and our destiny. |
From inside the book
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Page 15
... actually rather bleak and uncomfortable in comparison to the reality provided within the Matrix . He reasons that , while he knows that the good food he is eating and the friends he has and the position of power that he occupies are all ...
... actually rather bleak and uncomfortable in comparison to the reality provided within the Matrix . He reasons that , while he knows that the good food he is eating and the friends he has and the position of power that he occupies are all ...
Page 36
... Actually I always find it easier , for some reason , to ask this question in a more negative way : what can we afford to lose and still remain human ? Indeed , is it actually possible to lose one's humanity ? These are fasci- nating and ...
... Actually I always find it easier , for some reason , to ask this question in a more negative way : what can we afford to lose and still remain human ? Indeed , is it actually possible to lose one's humanity ? These are fasci- nating and ...
Page 139
... actually live in rather than simply be entertained by for an hour or two . Much of what passes for virtual reality at present goes little beyond the familiar boundaries of dom- estic 3D computer games such as the ' Quake ' franchise ...
... actually live in rather than simply be entertained by for an hour or two . Much of what passes for virtual reality at present goes little beyond the familiar boundaries of dom- estic 3D computer games such as the ' Quake ' franchise ...
Contents
What Are We? | 26 |
Aliens We | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Aldiss alien android argues Arrakis attempt Augustine become Blade Runner body Borg Brian Aldiss century Christian classic concerning context created creation creature culture cyberpunk define Descartes destiny divine Earth Emmanuel Levinas encounter Enlightenment environment episode essence ethical example experience explored fear film Frankenstein genetic genre of SF Gernsback human condition human existence human nature humanity's Ibid individual Invaders Invaders from Mars issues Kant Karl Barth Klaatu Levinas live Machine Mars Attacks Martians Masterpiece Society means Merleau-Ponty mind modern motif movie Neuromancer novel ourselves Pannenberg particular person perspective philosopher physical planet post-modern potential present question rational reason relationship religion religious Relph science fiction scientific seek seen sense SF writers significance simply SISKO Snow Crash social society space speaks species Star Trek theme theologian theology things thought tradition ultimately understanding utopia virtual reality virtual world William Gibson Wolfhart Pannenberg world-view