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
Results 1-3 of 23
Page 69
... the idea that the affluent workers we studied typically possessed dual social
identity – still working class in their role as rank - and - file production employees
but in their out - of - work roles indistinguishably part of the middle - class society .
... the idea that the affluent workers we studied typically possessed dual social
identity – still working class in their role as rank - and - file production employees
but in their out - of - work roles indistinguishably part of the middle - class society .
Page 103
19 In the episode called ' The Masterpiece Society ' from Star Trek : The Next
Generation , the crew of the Enterprise encounter a closed ' utopian ' society who
reluctantly call upon them for help . This society is the product of genetic ...
19 In the episode called ' The Masterpiece Society ' from Star Trek : The Next
Generation , the crew of the Enterprise encounter a closed ' utopian ' society who
reluctantly call upon them for help . This society is the product of genetic ...
Page 106
These women live in a perfectly balanced classless society in which all the baser
qualities , associated with male - dominated societies , such as greed and
aggression , are not to be found . Furthermore , while the bearing and raising of ...
These women live in a perfectly balanced classless society in which all the baser
qualities , associated with male - dominated societies , such as greed and
aggression , are not to be found . Furthermore , while the bearing and raising of ...
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
What Are | 31 |
Aliens | 49 |
Where Are We Going and How Do We | 82 |
Copyright | |
1 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
actually alien answer appear argues attempt become begins belief body central century Christian clearly concerning 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 give hope 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 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 |