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 2
The ability of human beings to indulge in exercises of selftranscendence , to look
beyond themselves and their present context and to ask ' what if ? ' is both a
blessing and a tragedy and science fiction exploits this tension to the full .
The ability of human beings to indulge in exercises of selftranscendence , to look
beyond themselves and their present context and to ask ' what if ? ' is both a
blessing and a tragedy and science fiction exploits this tension to the full .
Page 19
A man deeply fascinated by electricity and radio , Gernsback sought to publish
material that provided scientific insights for the young and encouraged them to
look forward to a future characterised by technological marvels . For Gernsback ,
SF ...
A man deeply fascinated by electricity and radio , Gernsback sought to publish
material that provided scientific insights for the young and encouraged them to
look forward to a future characterised by technological marvels . For Gernsback ,
SF ...
Page 41
Once we are aware of the process of our own becoming we can look back in
anguish over missed opportunities or the wrong path taken , and look forward in
anticipation or dread to the future consequences of our present actions . In H . G ...
Once we are aware of the process of our own becoming we can look back in
anguish over missed opportunities or the wrong path taken , and look forward in
anticipation or dread to the future consequences of our present actions . In H . G ...
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Contents
What Are | 31 |
Aliens | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
2 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
actually alien answer appear argues attempt become begins belief body central century Christian clearly concerning condition considered context course created creature culture deal define dependent Descartes destiny Earth effect encounter Enlightenment environment establish ethical example existence experience explored fact fear film future genre human idea identity important individual interesting issues Kant kind knowledge live look Machine matter means mind nature never notion novel once ourselves particular past perhaps person philosopher physical planet possible potential present produced question reality reason referred regarded relating relationship religion religious represents science fiction seek seen sense significance simply social society space speaks Star Star Trek story theme theology things thought tradition true ultimately understanding universe utopia variety virtual whole writers
References to this book
Bibliographic information
| Title | What If?: Religious Themes in Science Fiction |
| Author | Mike Alsford |
| Publisher | Darton, Longman & Todd, 2000 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 27 Feb 2008 |
| ISBN | 0232523479, 9780232523478 |
| Length | 164 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |