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 30
Page 43
The biblical material often speaks of people being affected by their environment .
... The nineteenth century theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher makes this point
very strongly when he speaks of the common human religious experience as ...
The biblical material often speaks of people being affected by their environment .
... The nineteenth century theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher makes this point
very strongly when he speaks of the common human religious experience as ...
Page 45
10 The theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg speaks of human being as destined for
unity with both itself and with God . He argues that it is part of the human
condition to be open to that which is beyond us – something that he refers to as ...
10 The theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg speaks of human being as destined for
unity with both itself and with God . He argues that it is part of the human
condition to be open to that which is beyond us – something that he refers to as ...
Page 113
The existentialist philosopher Martin Heidegger speaks of this in terms of
situatedness , our actual presence in history , our being ' here ' . How we relate to
our surroundings and how this relatedness affects who we are and how we
engage ...
The existentialist philosopher Martin Heidegger speaks of this in terms of
situatedness , our actual presence in history , our being ' here ' . How we relate to
our surroundings and how this relatedness affects who we are and how we
engage ...
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 | |
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