Religion in speculative fiction
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Religion in speculative fiction
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Religion is a commonly tackled topic in the speculative fiction genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror and others. Proto-speculative fiction texts have strong similarities to mythological or religious texts.[1] Science fiction often incorporates transcendental or mystical themes, investigating questions usually associated with theology or metaphysics.[1] Transreal mono- and poly-theistic religions are a common feature in fantasy, particularly epic and heroic fantasy.[2] Monotheistic religion are often portrayed as corrupt.[2] Christian science fiction and fantasy also exists,[3] often written as allegory for inspirational or propaganda purposes.[2][4]
In contrast, Orson Scott Card has stated that most fiction, including speculative fiction, is anti- or a-religious, in which religious people are depicted as "ignorant and stupid and easily fooled" followers or "exploitative and cynical" leaders.[5]
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Fictional religions
A number of works portray invented religions, placed into a contemporary Earth society such as the Earthseed religion in Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, or in the far future as seen in Dune by Frank Herbert with its Orange Catholic Bible, the text of a syncretic blend of current religions.
The animated science fiction television series Futurama features a satirical religion for robots called Robotology amongst its treatment of multiple religions.
Christianity
Numerous works have explored Christian faith. Notable examples include the award winning A Case of Conscience by James Blish and The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, in which Jesuit missionaries seek to spread Christianity to newly discovered alien worlds. The classic Canticle for Leibowitz explores a world in which Catholicism is one of the few institutions to survive an apocalypse, and its slow re-achievement of prominence as civilisation returns.
Christian science fiction and fantasy also exists,[3] often written as allegory for inspirational or propaganda purposes.[2] A Christian theme may be subtle, expressed by way of analogy, or more explicit.[4]
Hinduism
Islam
Main articles: Islamic literature and Arabic epic literature
See also
- List of religious ideas in science fiction
- List of fictional religions
- List of Catholic Science Fiction and Fantasy authors
- List of Protestant Science Fiction and Fantasy authors
References
- ^ a b Clute, John & Nicholls, Peter,The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, "Religion" p. 1000, 2nd Ed., (1999), Orbit, Great Britain, ISBN 1-85723-897-4
- ^ a b c d Clute, John & Grant, John,The Encyclopedia of Fantasy, "Religion" p. 808, 1st Ed., (1997), Orbit, Great Britain, ISBN 1-85723-368-9
- ^ a b Mort, John (2002). Christian Fiction: a Guide to the genre. Libraries Unlimited. pp. 159–184. ISBN 1-56308-871-1.
- ^ a b Sammons, Martha C. (1988). "A Better Country": The Worlds of Religious Fantasy and Science Fiction. Greenwood Press. p. 21. ISBN 0-313-25746-9.
- ^ Interview with Orson Scott Card http://www.writing-world.com/sf/card.shtml
- ^ Cohen, David X. (2003). Futurama season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Hell Is Other Robots" (DVD). 20th Century Fox. "Their symbol is a resistor, also, for anyone who knows electronics." which is shown here.
External links
- Religious Science Fiction Books and Links at www.adherents.com
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