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 121
In his book Place and Placelessness , E . Relph usefully identifies a number of
different types of space or place . ' Perceptual space ' , for example , is that space
in which we act . It is in and through this space that we have direct contact with ...
In his book Place and Placelessness , E . Relph usefully identifies a number of
different types of space or place . ' Perceptual space ' , for example , is that space
in which we act . It is in and through this space that we have direct contact with ...
Page 122
Existential space , argues Relph , is that space which receives its definition and
structure from the particular culture to which we belong . " The meaning of such
space is in a constant state of flux as it undergoes a never - ending process of ...
Existential space , argues Relph , is that space which receives its definition and
structure from the particular culture to which we belong . " The meaning of such
space is in a constant state of flux as it undergoes a never - ending process of ...
Page 123
This race had travelled through space for millions of years seeking a new home
until finally it came across prehistoric Earth . We learn that the Swarm needs to
merge with an intelligent host before it can properly inhabit a new world : It could
...
This race had travelled through space for millions of years seeking a new home
until finally it came across prehistoric Earth . We learn that the Swarm needs to
merge with an intelligent host before it can properly inhabit a new world : It could
...
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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 |